STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor supplier, has created a new TF-M-based, AWS FreeRTOS-qualified reference implementation, working with Amazon Web Services (AWS), an ST Authorized Partner, to connect the Internet of Things from easy and safe way. (IoT) devices to the AWS cloud.
“FreeRTOS, backed by our long-term support libraries, is the perfect platform for connecting resource-constrained devices to powerful cloud services,” said Dave Kranzler, general manager of IoT devices at AWS. “Working with ST to integrate industry-standard Arm open source secure TF-M software and the security features of the STM32U5 MCU enables developers to quickly create edge-to-cloud solutions that resist cyber threats.”
The co-created solution combines ST's STM32U5 ultra-low-power microcontrollers (MCUs), open-source real-time operating system FreeRTOS, and reliable Arm firmware for embedded systems (TF-M). The reference implementation is performed on ST's B-U585I-IOT02A discovery kit for IoT nodes with STM32U5 MCUs, which contains advanced features including USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, as well as multiple sensors.
Support for the STSAFE-A110 secure element is being added and comes preloaded with IoT object credentials. Helps secure and simplify the connection between connected objects and the AWS cloud.
“The superior security built into our STM32U5 MCUs supports the creation of trusted IoT devices to connect to the AWS cloud,” said Daniel Colonna, director of marketing for the Microcontroller Division at STMicroelectronics. “Our qualified reference platform represents a significant investment in software integration that saves development time and costs while simplifying compliance with PSA-certified security guidelines.”
FreeRTOS comprises a kernel optimized for resource-constrained embedded systems and software libraries for connecting various types of IoT endpoints to the AWS cloud or other edge devices. AWS Long Term Support (LTS) is maintained on FreeRTOS releases for two years, which provides developers with a stable platform for deploying and maintaining their IoT devices.
Arm TF-M firmware simplifies the protection of embedded systems, including services for secure boot, secure storage, encryption and attestation, forming the basis of a trusted execution environment (TEE) on the device. Designed for Arm v8-M architectures, TF-M readily integrates with TrustZone on ST's STM32U5 MCUs, which feature the Arm Cortex-M33 core.
ST's STM32U5 MCUs target demanding edge IoT applications, featuring the advanced 160 MHz Cortex-M33 core with Arm TrustZone technology and Armv8-M mainline security extension, up to 2 Mbytes of on-chip Flash, and extreme energy saving. With hardware cryptographic accelerators, secure firmware installation and upgrades, and increased resistance to physical attacks, MCUs have achieved PSA Certified Level-3 and SESIP 3 certifications.
Additionally, its extreme power-saving design simplifies application power and extends battery life in remote applications. Highlights include three different stop modes that maximize opportunities to operate at the lowest possible power and the ST's batch acquisition mode that captures peripheral data even when the core is powered off.
The STSAFE-A110 EAL5+ certified secure element brings an authentication scheme and personalization service that enables automated and secure attachment of connected objects to the AWS cloud. It securely alleviates the historical burden on IoT device manufacturers to protect secret credentials during product manufacturing.
ST will release a version of the STM32Cube tools and software-based reference implementation in the third quarter of this year, which will further simplify IoT design while leveraging seamless integration with the rest of the STM32 ecosystem.
