Secure Microcontroller with Embedded Quantum Random Number Generator

ongoing

The project “Secure Microcontroller with Embedded Quantum Random Number Generator” SMiEQ will define and prototype a secure microcontroller with embedded QRNG aiming at the protection of weapon systems, (un)manned aerial vehicle, fixed and rotary wings, (un)manned aircrafts and any other systems critical systems against cyber-attacks. In order to meet the needs of sovereignty, taking into account existing and future threats, and varied and constrained deployment contexts, the logical and material architecture of the component integrates the following fundamentals: • Low-power processing capability and high-performance processing capability based on RISC V technology, • Capacity to update, through security mechanisms, the embedded firmware, • the provision of a secure and partitioned execution environment, • Taking into account of the quantum threat by the integration of Post-Quantum Cryptographic (PQC) algorithms, • Integration of quantum technologies through the implementation of a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), • Rich set of external interfaces, • Integration of an eFPGA matrix allowing the hardware integration of new functionalities, algorithms by third parties and the capacity to implement specific countermeasures not identified during the initial design. The definition of the overall architecture of this microcontroller with an embedded QRNG involves several studies on difficult challenges to solve problems on electronic design, security systems, cryptographic functionalities, external interfaces, computational power, all in order to have the best design for a microcontroller embedding a QRNG. The result of these studies will be the design of a microcontroller ready to be used to secure European defense systems in the era of quantum computing which will represent a threat to these systems.