How do you ensure FPGA security in your designs?

1 What is FPGA security?

FPGA security refers to the protection of the design data, configuration, and operation of an FPGA from unauthorized access, modification, or duplication. FPGA security can be achieved by using a combination of hardware and software features, such as encryption, authentication, obfuscation, anti-tamper mechanisms, and secure boot. FPGA security can also be enhanced by following some design guidelines, such as minimizing the exposed interface, avoiding hard-coded keys, and verifying the integrity of the FPGA bitstream.

3 How to encrypt FPGA bitstreams?

One of the most common and effective ways to ensure FPGA security is to encrypt the FPGA bitstreams, which are the files that contain the configuration data for the FPGA. Encryption scrambles the bitstream data using a secret key, making it unreadable and unusable without the corresponding decryption key. Encryption can be performed by using the built-in features of some FPGA devices, such as AES or ECC, or by using external devices or software tools. Encryption can protect the bitstream from being reverse engineered, cloned, or modified during transmission or storage.

5 How to obfuscate FPGA designs?

A third way to ensure FPGA security is to obfuscate the FPGA designs, which means hiding or disguising the structure, logic, or functionality of the design from analysis or inspection. Obfuscation can be performed by using some design techniques, such as adding dummy logic, randomizing the placement and routing, or using non-standard coding styles. Obfuscation can make it harder for attackers to reverse engineer, clone, or modify the FPGA design, increasing the time and cost of the attack.

6 How to implement anti-tamper mechanisms in FPGA?

A fourth way to ensure FPGA security is to implement anti-tamper mechanisms in FPGA, which means detecting and responding to physical or logical attacks on the FPGA device or system. Anti-tamper mechanisms can be implemented by using some hardware or software features, such as sensors, fuses, counters, or triggers, that can monitor the FPGA state, environment, or behavior, and take appropriate actions, such as erasing, locking, or disabling the FPGA, or sending an alert. Anti-tamper mechanisms can prevent or mitigate the damage caused by attacks, such as extracting, modifying, or injecting data, or compromising the system functionality or security.