Cryptographic Engine Abstraction Layer for Software Defined Radio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryptographic systems for radio transceivers are computationally complex and require specialized knowledge to implement and port algorithms, limiting international customers' ability to create and use 'country-specific' algorithms due to proprietary hardware architectures and lack of abstraction layers.
Innovation Solution
A cryptographic engine abstraction layer is introduced, separating cryptographic equipment software, core algorithms, and hardware, allowing for easy rehosting and porting of algorithms across different cryptographic engines by standardizing lower-level functions and providing a Crypto Engine Abstraction Layer (CEAL) compatible with the Software Communication Architecture (SCA).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary cryptographic engines with different architectures are used, then cryptographic security and functionality are provided, but algorithm portability and ease of implementation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic system is divided into separate layers: hardware abstraction layer, core algorithm layer, and application layer. This segmentation allows algorithms to be developed and tested independently at the core layer, then ported to different hardware engines without modifying the algorithm itself, thus improving portability while maintaining security through dedicated hardware implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
A hardware abstraction layer is introduced as an intermediary between the cryptographic algorithms and the physical hardware engines. This abstraction layer provides a standardized interface that decouples algorithm development from hardware-specific implementation details, enabling algorithms to be ported across different cryptographic engines without direct dependency on proprietary architectures.
2Productivity
If detailed technical knowledge of engine architecture is required, then cryptographic implementations can be optimized for specific hardware, but implementation complexity and expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware abstraction layer serves as a mediator that shields algorithm developers from complex hardware architecture details. Developers can achieve optimized implementations by working with the standardized abstraction interface, which handles hardware-specific optimizations internally, thus maintaining implementation efficiency while reducing the expertise barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The abstraction layer automatically handles hardware-specific optimizations and adaptations without requiring manual intervention from algorithm developers. The system self-adjusts to the underlying hardware architecture through the standardized interface, allowing developers to focus on algorithm development rather than hardware optimization details.
3Reliability
If cryptographic algorithms are implemented directly on proprietary engines, then security functionality is achieved, but portability to other engines is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments cryptographic functionality into portable algorithm components and hardware-specific implementation layers. Core algorithms are developed as independent, hardware-agnostic modules that can be manufactured and deployed on different cryptographic engines, while the hardware abstraction layer ensures proper integration and functionality on each specific platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The core algorithm layer is designed with universal interfaces that enable the same cryptographic algorithms to function across multiple different hardware engines. This multi-functionality allows a single algorithm implementation to serve multiple cryptographic engine platforms, achieving both security functionality and portability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If country-specific cryptography algorithms are developed, then national security requirements are met, but implementation barriers due to proprietary engines are created
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented architecture allows country-specific algorithms to be developed and tested in isolation at the core algorithm layer using standardized interfaces. Once validated, these custom algorithms can be ported to different cryptographic engines through the hardware abstraction layer without requiring proprietary engine modifications, thus enabling national security requirements while reducing implementation barriers.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio system comprises radio frequency receiving electronics and digital signal processing electronics coupled to the radio frequency receiving electronics. The radio system is characterized by security electronics coupled to the digital signal processing electronics. The security electronics comprise a cryptographic subsystem. The cryptographic subsystem comprises cryptographic equipment software, core cryptographic algorithms and a cryptographic engine abstraction layer hardware each of which is stacked with but separate from one another. The cryptographic engine abstraction layer hardware has been designed for the specific radio system design.