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The Rising Threat of Quantum Computing


As quantum computing continues to advance, traditional asymmetric cryptographic methods—such as RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and elliptic curve cryptography—are at risk of becoming obsolete, introducing new security challenges for embedded systems. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is emerging as the key to safeguarding sensitive data and firmware from future quantum-based threats. Governments and industry leaders are actively working to integrate PQC capabilities for the long-term protection of notebooks, desktops, industrial systems, and data centers.

To stay ahead of this shift, manufacturers must begin transitioning from CNSA 1.0 to the new NIST-approved CNSA 2.0 algorithms. The MEC175xB product family is designed to meet these next-generation security requirements, offering integrated PQC support—including ML-KEM, ML-DSA and LMS algorithms—to future-proof embedded platforms. With its robust hardware-based security architecture and PQC-enabled firmware, the MEC175xB series empowers OEMs to begin building quantum-resilient systems today.

MEC175xB Embedded Controllers

Features


Post-Quantum Cryptography

  • Module Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm (ML-DSA)
  • Module Lattice-Based Key Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM)
  • Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) hash-based, stateful signature scheme

Secure System Capabilities

  • Configurable to CNSA 1.0, 2.0 or hybrid for secure boot and firmware update
  • Attestation with ML-DSA signing and key generation

Performance and Interfaces

  • Arm® Cortex®-M4F based MPU running at 96 MHz
  • 480 KB SRAM
  • Advanced eSPI support
  • I3C® host and client
  • Optional full-speed USB 2.0

Efficient and Future-Proof

  • Efficient power management
  • Long-term data protection without compromising legacy functionality

What Is Post-Quantum Cryptography?

Watch our “Ask Our Experts” video to learn why regulations are driving compliance efforts now and how industries are preparing to implement PQC to meet new security challenges.