AMD has unveiled its new Versal tamper-resistant (TR) adaptive SoCs and FPGAs, designed to provide a high level of protection for critical information against sophisticated physical attacks. These new devices combine powerful computational capabilities with integrated security, simplifying the development of robust and secure systems.
Innovative Security Measures
The Versal TR devices are the first adaptive SoCs or FPGAs on the market featuring built-in protection against physical attacks targeting the backside of the chip. This defense is implemented using a specialized, sensor-equipped security diode. Attached to the main computational die via 3D active-on-active technology, it covers the entire rear surface. If any tampering or removal of the security diode is detected, the system will automatically prevent booting, thereby safeguarding sensitive data.
Applications and Benefits
These devices are targeted at sectors where security is paramount: data center networking equipment, fintech, defense industries, and critical industrial infrastructure. By integrating computational and security functions into a single device, AMD aims to reduce the number of components required, save board space, and simplify overall system design compared to developing custom security solutions.
Performance and Functionality
The new Versal TR lineup is built upon the Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 architecture. It integrates Arm central processors, AI Engines, and programmable logic, delivering up to 229 thousand DMIPS of scalar computation, up to 369 INT8 TOPS, and up to 543,000 Look-Up Tables (LUTs).
In addition to backside protection, Versal TR devices offer:
- Enhanced hardware acceleration for post-quantum cryptography, including support for ML-DSA and SLH-DSA algorithms.
- A hybrid boot flow with support for multiple signature algorithms.
- Improvements to the Application Security Unit (ASU) key storage and a new Memory Aging Sensor (MEAS) for additional protection of cryptographic keys.
- Advanced glitch detection, thanks to enhancements in the Versal architecture and a new orthogonal detector that provides better coverage, including simultaneous glitches across two power rails.
Release Plans
The Versal TR portfolio will include three models: 2VE3358TR, 2VE3558TR, and 2VE3858TR. Initial samples of these devices are expected in the second half of 2027, with mass production scheduled to commence in the first half of 2028. Each Versal TR model has a form-factor compatible standard counterpart available today. This allows customers to develop on the standard Versal platform and then seamlessly transition to Versal TR without needing to resynthesize or replan their designs.
“Protecting critical information requires constant innovation in silicon security capabilities to stay ahead of evolving threats,” said Kirk Saban, Corporate Vice President, Product, Software & Solutions Engineering at AMD Embedded. “With Versal tamper-resistant devices, AMD is integrating built-in physical attack protection alongside high-performance heterogeneous compute in commercial adaptive SoCs, helping customers simplify the development of security-critical systems while maintaining the performance and flexibility their applications demand.”
