NXP delivers security solution for Google IoT Cloud

By Warren Miller, contributing writer

NXP Semiconductors N.V., a provider of secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, recently announced a new ready-to-use security element optimized for integrating into edge nodes, gateways, and other IoT devices. The A71CH is designed for original equipment manufacturers as a “plug-and-trust” solution for authentication to Google’s IoT Cloud.

Once the A71CH has been embedded into a device, the chip sends a secure token that is authenticated by the Google IoT Core, thereby enabling peer-to-peer cloud connections between two or more devices. The process of cloud onboarding is automated by injecting credentials into the A71CH at either an NXP secure manufacturing facility or through programming partners pre-approved by NXP. The public keys are sent to the customer through an NXP web interface.

“Security-by-design is key to unlocking the next wave of IoT device connections,” said Philippe Dubois, senior director and general manager of IoT security solutions at NXP, in a statement. “Our solution aims to solve scalability and complexity issues commonly associated with securing and managing edge devices. We’re happy to see Google Cloud embrace and encourage security in next-generation devices.”

The A71CH is easily integrated into both MCU and MPU platforms and provides end-to-end security from the chip to the cloud. The chip employs an OpenSSL engine and integration into mbedTLS to simplify the implementation of connectivity stacks.

NXP also provides sample code for major use cases, application notes, and development kits for specific microcontrollers (i.MX and Kinetis) to make it easier for developers to integrate the A71CH into their designs.