Hardware Security Modules for Regulatory Compliance and Lifecycle Management

The TA101 Trust Platform series provides a hardware-based root of trust designed to facilitate compliance with the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), IEC 62443, and ISO/SAE 21434. These integrated circuits (ICs) target industrial automation and the automotive data ecosystem, where software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures require verifiable firmware integrity and scalable cryptographic key management.

Architecture and Deployment Models
The TA101 series utilizes two distinct deployment paths to accommodate varying infrastructure capabilities. The TA101 TrustFLEX (TA101-TFLXTLS) is a factory-preconfigured IC designed for organizations with existing cloud infrastructures. These devices are provisioned at certified facilities following Common Criteria practices, allowing for hardware-based authentication without the need for custom cryptographic configuration.

For organizations lacking a dedicated security infrastructure, the TA101 TrustMANAGER (TA101-TMNGTLS) integrates with the Kudelski keySTREAM Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. This configuration enables remote management of the digital supply chain by supporting in-field provisioning, key revocation, and code signing. This model shifts the burden of lifecycle management to a managed service, ensuring that security credentials remain valid throughout the operational life of the device.

Industrial and Automotive Compliance
In industrial contexts, the platform supports IEC 62443 standards by providing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) based authentication and authenticated communications. These mechanisms are essential for meeting CRA mandates regarding the technical documentation and conformity assessments of connected products.

Within the automotive sector, the TA101-TMNGTLS addresses the complexities of SDV architectures. By providing a secure foundation for Firmware-Over-The-Air (FOTA) updates, the IC ensures that Electronic Control Units (ECUs) only accept authenticated commands and software. This technical control is a critical component for manufacturers adhering to UNECE WP.29 regulations and ISO/SAE 21434, which require documented risk mitigation strategies against unauthorized system access.

Technical Implementation and Support
Implementation is supported by a suite of development tools designed to reduce integration complexity. The TA101 devices are compatible with the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the CryptoAuthLib software library.

According to Nuri Dagdeviren, corporate vice president of Microchip’s secure computing group, the platform is intended to address the challenges associated with the complexity of implementing cryptographic key management and secure updates. By utilizing the Trust Platform Design Suite (TPDS), developers can access prototyping tools and secure provisioning services that streamline the transition from initial design to mass production.

Edited by an industrial journalist, Evgeny Churilov

www.microchip.com