Novel security model for automotive SoCs

Dushyant Puri, PMP (PI) and Bassim Elhassan (PI)

ETAS Embedded Systems Canada Inc., a member of the Bosch Group, has been developing security solutions for the automotive industry for over 15 years. Embedded systems in the automotive industry are specialized computing systems integrated into different vehicle components. They are tasked with controlling, monitoring, and managing vehicle functions. Typically built into the hardware of the vehicle's electronic control units (ECUs) and advanced driver assistance systems, these systems perform specific tasks within the vehicle, ensuring smooth operation and efficiency. 

Automotive system-on-chips (SoCs) are specialized integrated circuits crafted specifically for automotive use. They consolidate numerous functions onto a single chip, functioning as the central processing units within vehicles. These chips are designed to adhere to the demanding standards of the automotive sector, prioritizing reliability, safety, and performance. They collaborate seamlessly with automotive embedded systems, providing the necessary processing power, real-time performance, communication interfaces, safety features, and power efficiency to drive various electronic components and functionalities within vehicles. 

Partnering with Conestoga’s SMART Centre, ETAS Embedded Systems and the SMART Centre explored the creation of a novel security approach that maintained the high performance needed by advanced driver assistance systems. This eight-month project provided important findings to ETAS regarding the effectiveness of the explored approach in safeguarding the security of automotive SoCs and embedded systems. 

We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).