Secure development platform for Cortex-M
20 April 2016
Computer/Embedded Technology
Design Automation
Express Logic, provider of the ThreadX real-time operating system (RTOS), has introduced its X-Ware secure platform for ARM Cortex-M processors.
The platform delivers a fully integrated set of X-Ware components (ThreadX, NetX, USBX, FileX, GUIX and TraceX) for use with future ARMv8-M–based Cortex-M processors with TrustZone and with existing ARMv6-M– and ARMv7-M–based Cortex-M processors with MPU support.
To help embedded developers deliver secure IoT devices, X-Ware provides a comprehensive and secure foundation for Cortex-M processor based products, with its infrastructure for software partitioning. By using a system’s MMU or MPU, ThreadX can protect trusted code from errors that might occur within other code while enabling the trusted code to interact with the entire system.
The platform uses the Cortex-M’s MPU to assign memory range (partition) boundaries to non-trusted code, preventing such code from accessing any code or data outside of its own partition. This prevents any errors that might be present in that code from impacting the non-trusted code itself and from impacting trusted code or the RTOS. In this manner, designated code does not have full access to the entire address space, only to code and data within its own range of addresses as defined by the MPU boundary registers.
As well, in order to permit this ‘managed code’ to access RTOS services and exchange information with code in trusted regions, an efficient remote access mechanism is employed. This allows RTOS services to be performed for the requesting code while preventing the requesting code from having direct access to the RTOS or other trusted data and code regions. Developers are thereby able to create secure spaces protected from software infiltration.
The ARMv8-M architecture follows a similar protection process, except that the ARMv8-M is much more efficient, as it provides a hardware implementation of all features necessary to achieve the benefits of the X-Ware secure platform. ARMv8-M enables the RTOS to assign partition boundaries to multiple code regions, enabling non-trusted code to be confined to those regions and thereby prevented from accessing trusted regions or the RTOS itself. Like the earlier Cortex-M MPU solution, ARMv8-M provides a remote access capability, enabling managed code to request services from the RTOS while disabling the code from accessing trusted regions.
For more information visit www.rtos.com
Further reading:
Connected without limits: An engineering perspective on Altron Arrow’s wireless ecosystem
Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Design Automation
Wireless connectivity is no longer a supporting technology, but rather, a core design consideration that underpins modern electronic systems across industries.
Read more...
Reliable isolation for modern networks
ASIC Design Services
Computer/Embedded Technology
The Pro-Tek5 PTI Series delivers reinforced 5 kV Ethernet isolation for applications that demand robust protection, reliable signal integrity, and full IEEE802.3 performance.
Read more...
Next-gen modules for rugged edge AI systems
Altron Arrow
Computer/Embedded Technology
Designed for real-world edge deployments where systems do not sit still, SolidRun’s P100 COMx6 series targets mobile platforms as well as harsh, mission-critical environments.
Read more...
Fanless multimedia edge PC
Vepac Electronics
Computer/Embedded Technology
Dual 4K display capabilities, ultra-efficient processing, and versatile mounting options make the Intelli TWL01 Edge the ultimate embedded platform for multimedia solution building.
Read more...
Advanced industrial connectivity at the edge
Future Electronics
Computer/Embedded Technology
Dual 4K display capabilities, ultra-efficient processing, and versatile mounting options make the Intelli TWL01 Edge the ultimate embedded platform for multimedia solution building.
Read more...
A software-based controller for the industrial future
Phoenix Contact
Computer/Embedded Technology
With Virtual PLCnext Control, Phoenix Contact is launching a software-based controller solution that enables flexible automation functions in virtualised IT environments.
Read more...
5G mobile hotspot with integrated multimodal AI capabilities
CST Electronics
Computer/Embedded Technology
MeiG Smart has launched its first 5G Mobile HotSpot solution, the SRT8710, a breakthrough in mobile connectivity that combines ultra-fast 5G communications with integrated multimodal artificial intelligence functions.
Read more...
Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 2-in-1 detachable
Vepac Electronics
Computer/Embedded Technology
The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 is a fully rugged 12-inch 2-in-1 detachable notebook designed to deliver unmatched flexibility, durability, and performance for mobile professionals working in demanding environments.
Read more...
SBC with 12 TOPS computing power
iCorp Technologies
Computer/Embedded Technology
The QSM560DR series is Quectel’s multi-mode 5G smart control panel with built-in Ubuntu/Android/Windows operating system based on the Quectel SG560D series smart module.
Read more...
High-performance µC series
NuVision Electronics
Computer/Embedded Technology
GigaDevice has announced the official launch of the GD32F503/505 high-performance series of 32-bit general-purpose microcontrollers based on the Arm Cortex-M33 core.
Read more...
printer friendly version