The advancement of security in connected devices has taken a step forward with the arrival of the TROPIC01 by Tropic Square. This secure element (SE) based on RISC-V architecture It has been designed to offer a transparent and auditable solution, something rare in a market dominated by closed-circuit chips. Its focus on security makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring advanced protection, such as hardware wallets, authentication systems and IoT devices.
In this article, we will explore in detail its specifications, its open-source architecture, its tamper-resistant mechanisms, and its integration with microcontrollers. In addition, we will see why Tropic Square is establishing itself as a reliable alternative to other options on the market.
What is Tropic Square's TROPIC01?
El TROPIC01 is a RISC-V based secure element with a focus on security through transparency. Powered by Tropic Square, a company linked to SatoshiLabs and based in Prague, this chip is distinguished by being completely auditable, allowing experts, customers and the open source community to verify its reliability.
Its compatibility with microcontrollers makes it ideal for multiple applications including cryptocurrency wallets, biometric authentication solutions, medical devices and a variety of IoT technologies. Unlike other closed-design secure elements, this one allows for inspection and vulnerability detection, increasing confidence in its security.
For those interested in other RISC-V-based security alternatives, it is relevant to mention the development of Tilitis TKey, which also advocates security and transparency in its design.
Main specifications of the TROPIC01
El TROPIC01 It features a specialized processing core and numerous advanced security features:
- RISC-V IBEX core: Allows secure firmware updates and custom configuration on demand.
- OTP Memory: Used to store x.509 certificates and cryptographic keys.
- Flash memory: Intended for general data and PIN verification.
- Tamper protection: Voltage fault detection, temperature monitoring, electromagnetic pulse detection and laser intrusions.
- Advanced cryptographic capabilities: Support for ECC, Ed25519, P-256 ECDSA and X25519.
- Encrypted communication channel: Based on forward secrecy.
Security and tamper resistance
One of the highlights of the TROPIC01 Its strong resistance to physical and logical attacks. It integrates attack detection mechanisms such as:
- Voltage detector: Prevents manipulations with voltage failures.
- Sensor de temperatura: Detects anomalous variations in temperature.
- Protection against laser and electromagnetic attacks: Detects attempts to alter its operation with advanced techniques.
- Active shield: Additional layer of protection to make tampering difficult.
The integration of advanced mechanisms in the TROPIC01 resembles the efforts of OpenTitan, which also focuses on providing open and auditable security solutions in chip design.
Support for integration and development
To facilitate your integration, Tropic Square offers SDK and Drivers that allow communication with external hosts. It also provides firmware examples for STM32 and documentation on its GitHub page.
In addition, it has been announced multiple evaluation boards to improve accessibility and developer testing:
- STM32 based USB dongle: Easy connection with test devices.
- Mikroe Click Board: MikroBus compatible for simple integration.
- TS1501 HAT for Raspberry Pi: Allows testing the TROPIC01 in Raspberry Pi environments.
- Shield TS14 for Arduino UNO R3: Ideal for prototyping and testing with Arduino.
Opportunity for European manufacturers
The company Tropic Square, based on Prague, Czech Republic, presents a reliable European alternative to secure elements from the United States or China. For many manufacturers seeking to avoid external technological dependence, the TROPIC01 represents an attractive option.
The market electronic security is evolving rapidly, and with solutions like TROPIC01, manufacturers have access to an auditable and open source option that gives them full control over transparency and to maximise security and your enjoyment. on your products.
