Multiple Secure Domain Technology to be Democratized

Providing security on devices with multiple cores has always been a challenge for embedded developers. Several companies engaged in this task- to developing new security architectures for CPUs, GPUs and even radio cores. Another challenge is to get them to work on OpenSource platforms.

When such security architectures come out, they will help their companies to differentiate themselves and break free from standard cores that are currently being used. One companies is already ready with a reference platform and it is planning to release it by the end of the year. The new platform is secure boot capable and comes with a root-of-trust block. The application program interface will take a bit longer to come out though because it is still being defined.

Multiple secure domains have several advantages. A car maker will now be able to use a common GPU for driver assistance display, infotainment and dashboard even when they are separately secured. When these products are launched, they will democratize an industry which has long been dominated by proprietary technologies. Third party embedded and software developers will then pitch in and create tools for managing and configuring these secure domains. Later, they can be extended to new sectors such as wearables and Internet of Things.