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:

Filling high-end PCB manufacturing gaps to accelerate the 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...

---

Compact but powerful soldering system
Truth Electronic Manufacturing Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Economy SIG is EPM’s compact wave soldering solution, designed to bring professional-grade soldering capabilities to small and medium-scale electronics producers.

Read more...

---

Jemstech expands capabilities with new equipment and leadership appointment
Jemstech Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Jemstech has recently enhanced its manufacturing capabilities by installing new selective soldering equipment and appointing an experienced business development manager.

Read more...

---

In-circuit testing vs functional testing
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Achieving zero defects in printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) demands rigorous validation on both the component level and system level.

Read more...

---

Select coat ultrasonic cleaning station
Techmet Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Nordson Electronics Solutions has announced their latest technology innovation for conformal coating systems, the ASYMTEK Select Coat SL-1040 Ultrasonic Cleaning Station.

Read more...

---

How smart components drive sustainable industrial efficiency
TRX Electronics Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Manufacturing industries across South Africa face mounting pressure to reduce operational costs whilst meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and the path to achieving these goals lies in embracing advanced electronic components that enable smarter, more efficient industrial operations.

Read more...

---