Security Digital Twin for RISC-V Space Chip

UK defence contractor BAE Systems has partnered with SiFive to develop a radiation-hardened chip for space applications using a security digital twin of a RISC-V processor. This innovative approach aims to address concerns about potential security vulnerabilities introduced by third-party intellectual property (IP) due to its high configurability and programmability. By leveraging digital twin technology developed by Cycuity in the US, the collaboration is focused on verifying the highest levels of assurance for third-party IP components to enhance the security of microelectronic systems.

The collaboration has established a scalable framework based on Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) to create a security digital twin of an IP block using Cycuity’s Radix tool. This digital twin can be re-verified by a system-on-chip (SoC) integrator at both the block and full chip levels, providing assurance of the third-party IP. The process involved integrating, configuring, and generating verifiable security evidence of SiFive’s Intelligence X280 RISC-V processor within BAE Systems’ radiation-hardened SoC.

As part of the initiative, NASA has selected a RISC-V CPU for space processor applications, highlighting the growing importance of secure and reliable microelectronics in space exploration. “We have demonstrated how Cycuity is solving a key challenge in ensuring robust security across the design lifecycle and organizational boundaries,” said Jason Oberg, CTO at Cycuity. The focus on building a secure third-party IP ecosystem aligns with the commitment to developing resilient microelectronics for defense and commercial applications.

John Ronco, SiFive’s VP of Product, emphasized the significance of RISC-V processors as a secure choice for SoC developers. By utilizing Radix to validate secure integration and configuration of IP, developers can innovate faster while enhancing the usability and effectiveness of third-party IP. “This demonstration underscores our commitment to innovation and security,” Ronco added.

Gayatri Perlin, Secure by Design Group Lead at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs, emphasized the importance of traceable security assurances in today’s defense and commercial systems. By focusing on design- and application-specific security requirements, products can be tested, implemented, and delivered with confidence that third-party IP remains secure, meeting Department of Defense standards. The collaboration between BAE Systems, SiFive, and Cycuity represents a significant step towards enhancing the security and reliability of microelectronic systems for critical applications.