Securing Embedded Systems with the Infineon SLB9635TT2 Hardware Trusted Platform Module

The proliferation of connected embedded systems, from industrial controllers to medical devices, has dramatically expanded the attack surface for cyber threats. Securing these resource-constrained devices requires a foundation of trust that is resilient against software attacks and physical tampering. Integrating a dedicated hardware Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is widely regarded as the gold standard for establishing this root of trust. The Infineon SLB9635TT2.0 stands as a pivotal component in this security architecture, providing a robust, self-contained security solution for embedded applications.

A TPM is a secure cryptoprocessor specifically designed to safeguard hardware through integrated cryptographic keys. The Infineon SLB9635TT2.0 is a discrete TPM 1.2 compliant device that delivers critical security functions. Its core capabilities include secure generation and storage of cryptographic keys, hardware-based key operations (e.g., RSA signing and encryption), and platform integrity measurement through hashing of firmware and software components. By isolating these sensitive operations from the main application processor, it effectively shields critical secrets from software-based attacks and operating system vulnerabilities.

The application of the SLB9635TT2.0 in an embedded system brings multifaceted security benefits. Primarily, it enables secure boot, a process where each stage of the bootloader and operating system is measured and verified against known good values stored in the TPM. If any component is compromised, the boot process halts, preventing a malicious entity from taking control of the device. Furthermore, it provides a hardware-bound vault for encryption keys. Unlike software-based storage, which is vulnerable to extraction, keys generated within and never leaving the TPM’s shielded memory are extremely difficult to compromise, even with physical access to the device. This is essential for applications like device authentication, data encryption, and digital rights management (DRM).

For developers, the SLB9635TT2.0 offers a practical implementation path. It communicates with the host microcontroller via the Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, a common interface in many embedded architectures, simplifying hardware integration. Infineon provides a comprehensive software stack, including drivers and libraries compliant with the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) standards, which streamlines the development process and reduces time to market for secure products.

Despite the advent of the newer TPM 2.0 standard, the TPM 1.2 specification, implemented by the SLB9635TT2.0, remains highly relevant. It provides a mature, proven, and cost-effective solution for a vast array of embedded security use cases where the advanced features of 2.0 are not a strict requirement. Its robustness and reliability have been demonstrated across numerous industries.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon SLB9635TT2.0 Hardware TPM provides an indispensable, self-contained security core for embedded systems. It establishes a hardware-based root of trust that is critical for mitigating software and physical threats, enabling secure boot, protecting encryption keys, and ensuring device integrity in an increasingly hostile cyber environment.

Keywords:

1. Hardware Root of Trust

2. Secure Boot

3. Cryptographic Key Storage

4. Platform Integrity

5. TPM 1.2