Discretix CryptoCell®
A Trusted Environment
CryptoCell is a complete embedded security platform for mobile phones, portable devices, automotive controllers and embedded systems where a strong security infrastructure is called for. CryptoCell provides an outstanding level of security, while overcoming the challenges of performance, power consumption and silicon footprint. Its flexible architecture offers semiconductor vendors and device manufacturers a robust solution that can be tailored to meet today’s demanding embedded security requirements. CryptoCell can be deployed across multiple platforms and operating systems to secure a broad range of applications. As the computing power of embedded devices increases, data applications and services are seen as the major catalyst for revenue generation. Discretix pioneered embedded security to enable applications and protect this new generation of embedded devices from a growing range of threats.
Integrated Architecture – Robust Protection
The CryptoCell platform is deployed as an integral part of the device to deliver the highest level of security and performance. The solution’s multi-layered architecture ensures that all components of the device and its applications are secured. CryptoCell is delivered as a tested and ready-to-implement platform.
| Applications & System |
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Essential security components for applications such as DRM, CAS, Software Update, SIM Lock, as well as security system features such as secure boot and secure debug. |
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| Security Middleware Layer |
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The security middleware layer provides secure access to the hardware and serves as a robust security services infrastructure for the application layer. It provides secure storage, cryptographic schemes, key management, certificate management and others across multiple platforms and operating systems.
The secure boot mechanism supports different stages in the device life cycle and completes the system security solution.
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| Hardware Core Layer |
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The hardware layer is delivered as IP for easy integration into ICs. Discretix patented technology provides a secure execution environment as well as implements standardized cryptographic algorithms in a way that minimizes gate count and power consumption while maximizing performance and security.
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Attack-Resistant Cryptographic Core |
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Discretix deploys unique and patented mechanisms to provide robust protection against:
- Timing Attacks (TA)
- Fault Attacks (FA)
- Power Analysis
Robust countermeasures span across all layers of the solution architecture.
CryptoCell is delivered as a tested and ready-to-implement platform.
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CryptoCell Hardware Architecture

The CryptoCell family of products offers optimized solutions for every mobile handset
| Feature |
Components |
Benefit |
| Flexible system design |
Slave bus interface |
Standard bus interface |
| DMA interface |
Off-loading system processor |
| FIFO interface |
High-speed streaming with no host intervention |
Cryptographic capabilities |
Cryptographic cores |
State-of-the-art high throughput and ultra-small engines Public Key Algorithms: RSA; ECC; DH Symmetric Algorithms: AES; DES/3DES; RC4 Hash Algorithms: MD5; SHA1; SHA256/384/512; HMAC Random Number Generation: Deterministic; Non-deterministic |
| Asset protection |
Secure Boot |
Prevents modification or replacement of software code images residing in non-volatile storage |
| Secure Storage |
Protects confidentiality and integrity of data items in off-chip non-volatile memory |
| Key Management |
Handles all key material internally, never exposing unencrypted keys outside CryptoCell |
| Secure Debug |
Prevents software-based debug and test attacks |
| Life Cycle |
Enables and disables security features throughout the life span of the device |
| Open system security |
Secure Execution Environment |
Runs secure services in a secured compartment |
| SDK |
Enable introduction of new security services for secure execution |
| Performance |
Multi-Flow Manager |
Enables smart time-sharing of the Cryptographic Cores, offloading host from management tasks |
| Master bus interface |
Off-loading system processor |
| Power Management |
Prolongs battery life |
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