Collaborating with ETAS and ESCRYPT to Simplify Safe Connected Car Application Development
An end-to-end solution for protecting against attacks on ECUs and securing communication between ECUs and the cloud.

STMicroelectronics (hereinafter ST) is collaborating with ETAS and ESCRYPT to provide a complete platform consisting of microcontrollers, software tools, and security solutions to enable the easy development of automotive control units for the connected car era.

ETAS is a provider of automotive embedded system development solutions, and ESCRYPT is a subsidiary of ETAS specializing in embedded software security.

Recently, there has been an increasing number of automotive designs relying on Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for managing applications composed of complex functions. Examples of such applications include Brake-by-Wire, automatic transmissions, multi-mode lighting, parking assistance, and collision avoidance; the ECU enables the digital control of each vehicle function by transmitting commands through communication networks that interconnect the vehicle's subsystems. In addition, vehicles are becoming cloud-connected to enable new features such as OTA (Over-The-Air) software updates, remote diagnostics, and V2X communication[1], which will be realized soon.

To securely support this trend, the establishment of stable hardware and software security platforms manageable throughout the vehicle lifecycle is accelerating. ST is collaborating with ETAS and ESCRYPT to provide an economical ECU development platform that can ensure vehicle owner privacy protection, OEM IP protection, ECU functional integrity, and secure communication between the vehicle's ECU and the cloud during subsystem development.

Luca Rodeschini, Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development and Microcontroller Business Unit, Automotive and Discrete Products Group at ST, stated, “This well-configured and easy-to-use development platform combines ESCRYPT, ETAS, and ST’s security know-how to provide the greatest convenience to customers as a ready-made solution that is ready for immediate application.”

ST is applying the SPC58 series, a power-efficient and real-time-enabled automotive microcontroller, to this solution being developed jointly with ETAS and ESCRYPT. This product supports an integrated Hardware Security Module (HSM), as well as multiple modern CAN FD interfaces, LIN, FlexRay, and Ethernet with time-stamping capabilities for implementing in-vehicle networks based on encryption communication and a Function Integrity Verification Controller. In addition, it helps enhance the defense capabilities of connected cars by providing secure elements and an embedded SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) that can defend against internet-based attacks on gateways and ECUs that could steal personal information or damage critical vehicle systems.

"Rodeskini added, 'The automotive microcontroller SPC58 provides the fundamentals of industry-required robustness and hardware security at a competitive price. Major leading suppliers are adopting this product for secure Over-The-Air (OTA) applications that allow for remote software modification and upgrades without taking vehicles to repair centers.'"

ESCRYPT provides secure ECU communication technologies, such as OTA software updates, and supports firmware and middleware to enable the utilization of the SPC58 HSM during ECU development. The combination of the HSM and ESCRYPT's security technology handles all authentication tasks for trusted sources and defends against unauthorized access by unauthorized agents. Dr. Thomas Wollinger, Managing Director at ESCRYPT, stated, "We supply CycurHSM, the essential solution for driving the HSM, and a Key Management Solution to help securely protect all ECU operations, including secure boot, programming, updates, and secure in-vehicle communication."

This solution utilizes ETAS's famous RTA software product, which supports ECU code development. RTA-BSW (Basic Software) is equipped with all AUTOSAR solutions, including basic software functions supporting AUTOSAR R4 for safety-sensitive ECUs for passenger cars (ISO 26262) and off-highway (ISO 25119). RTA-BSW can be complemented by ISOLAR-A and ISOLAR-EVE tools for implementing and testing the full ECU software stack in a virtual environment.

AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open Systems Architecture) is a framework accepted in the automotive industry for industry-standard embedded systems with scalability and interoperability, facilitating rapid and cost-effective new product launches and the development of differentiated features.

Dr. Nigel Tracey, Head of RTA Solutions for Application Fields at ETAS, stated, “Our successful collaboration with ST continues,” and added, “With the addition of ETAS’s diverse ECU development environments and the cutting-edge security technology of its subsidiary ESCRYPT, this new platform will help manufacturers maximize the value of the connected-car concept and rapidly build trust with partner associations and end users.”