In-circuit programmer for off-site production

17 May 2017 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

For high-volume production it is common to employ a contract manufacturer (CM). This setup introduces a new threat for the intellectual property (IP) of the original owner. To limit the risk of IP theft and overproduction, Segger developed the new production programming system Flasher Secure.

CMs have access to customer IP and large quantities of the components they are contracted to produce. It is essential that the original owner of the IP controls their IP and the production volume. Flasher Secure does both. To prevent counterfeit devices, the Flasher reads out a unique ID from the system it is going to program. This ID is sent to a server that is under physical control of the IP owner. This server validates the ID and determines whether a programming run is allowed. In this case, a signature is generated for the device. The signature is sent back to the Flasher which stores the signature inside the target device it programs. This method of secure programming is also in the best interest of the CM, as it can boast that the production floor will protect the customer’s IP.

Firmware running on the system, or an external application communicating with the system, can verify that the system is genuine. With an additional signature for the firmware, the bootloader in the system can also verify that the firmware is genuine and unmodified. If any of the above verification fails, the device stops working. As each signature is unique for each device, it is not possible to create a non-approved system by simply copying the firmware.

The signature generation uses a proven asymmetric algorithm where the private key is not accessible by anyone but the IP owner. This prevents attackers from forging a signature for a given ID. All communication between Flasher and server is encrypted and authenticated by a secure SSL/TLS connection to prevent unauthorised access. All actions are logged and accessible through an administration interface to provide as much transparency to the IP owner as possible.

The programmers are designed with multiple interfaces, making them easy to integrate into any production environment. In mass production environments, ATE or other production control units can access the Flasher for programming, including serial numbers and patch data.

For more information visit www.segger.com/flasher-secure.html

Further reading:

September exclusives at PCBWay: Big savings on PCBs and 3D printing
PCBWay Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
[Sponsored] This September, PCBWay is bringing you two exciting, limited time offers that showcase both style and versatility. Whether you are designing with PCBs or prototyping with 3D printing, these will help you create more while spending less.

Read more...

---

Understanding solder paste viscosity and thixotropy
Truth Electronic Manufacturing Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A solder paste’s viscosity and thixotropic properties, a measure of its resistance to flow, influence its performance in different production environments.

Read more...

---

Global electronics trade in an age of disruption
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Governments should invest in domestic strengths, coordinate with international partners, and align trade and industrial policy with the realities of a globally connected electronics sector.

Read more...

---

The new tool design of IWISS
Startech Industrial Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Rooted in IWISS’ dedication to reliability, comfort, and efficiency, the company’s new design refresh elevates craftsmanship by incorporating a rich cultural influence.

Read more...

---

Strategic collaboration to advance industrial robotics training in South Africa
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Yaskawa Southern Africa has announced a strategic collaboration with Sol-Tech, a private vocational training institution based in Pretoria, to strengthen technical education in industrial robotics.

Read more...

---

Filling high-end PCB manufacturing gaps to accelerate AI electronics growth
PCBWay Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
[Sponsored] In the digital era, AI and big data technologies are developing at a rapid pace. PCBWay is continuously advancing its PCB manufacturing technology to support the growth.

Read more...

---

Microtronix revives defunct cell phone plant
Microtronix Manufacturing Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
In a significant move for South Africa’s struggling electronics manufacturing sector, local technology firm Microtronix has breathed new life into a formerly defunct cell phone manufacturing facility.

Read more...

---

Manufacturing with purpose
Production Logix Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How Production Logix is setting a new benchmark for high-reliability, locally manufactured electronics.

Read more...

---

Recent purchase of Seica Flying Probe tester
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Zetech One recently supplied a Seica Flying Probe tester to Etion Create for use in the development and manufacture of its electronic solutions.

Read more...

---

Why accurate PCB measurement is critical for quality control and inspection
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Accurate inspection of dimensions, hole placement, and track layout plays a vital role in meeting product standards across consumer, telecom, aerospace, and medical devices.

Read more...

---