With the progress of quantum computing, it poses an unprecedented challenge to traditional encryption methods. Algorithms once considered secure, such as RSA and ECC, can quickly become fragile and can be cracked in a few seconds under a quantum attack. This emerging reality calls for a transition to backward quantum cryptography (PQC) - a new class of cryptographic algorithms designed to ensure data is secure even in the quantum age.
Recognizing the urgency of this evolution, iWave Global, a leader in FPGA and embedded computing platforms, partnered with Finland's experts in hardware-level security IP, Xiphera, at iWave's Agilex ™ Quantum security encryption support is provided on a System Level Module (SoM) (Altera-supported).
At Agilex ™ Xipwera xQfor 5 ® Post Implementation Quantum Security
XQof Xipwera ® The product line brings powerful quantum security encryption capability to FPGA hardware. It implements the NIST standardized PQC algorithm, including ML-KEM (key encapsulation mechanism) and ML-DSA (digital signature algorithm), ensuring long-term security against both traditional and quantum attacks.g.
Through this cooperation, iWave successfully transformed Xiphera's xQlift ® IP kernel integrated into Agile ™ SoM realizes real-time hardware accelerated PQC operation, such as key exchange and digital signature directly in FPGA structure. This resulted in a low-latency, side-channel resistant encryption solution that enabled embedded systems to withstand future quantum threats.
Realize highlights
PQC is via Agilex in iWave ™ Implemented on platform 5 (Figure 1) using Xiphera's ML-KEM (Kyber) and ML-DSA (Dilitisum) IP cores.
iWave’s Agilex ™ 5 SoM
Figure 1: Agile for iWave ™ SoM (image source: iWave)
Core technical capabilities include:
Compatibility with NIST specifications for ML-KEM and ML-DSA
Prevention of side-channel attack based on time sequence
High performance for thousands of encryption operations per second
Easy integration via standard embedded interface
Demonstration environment setup:
The demo environment includes an Altera Agilex based ™ The iWave FPGA board, connected to a Linux laptop (Figure 2). FPGA runs the Xippera ML-KEM, ML-DSA and TRNG IP cores, and a soft-core RISC-V processor that manages system communications. Encryption operation (key encapsulation and digital signature) is directly executed on FPGA, which shows the security against quantum attack in real time.
FPGA device: A5ED065BB32AE5SR0
The demonstration setup with an Altera Agilex ™ 5-based iWave FPGA board connected to a Linux laptop
Figure 2: The demo environment was created by ™ The iWave FPGA board of 5 is connected to the Linux laptop and erected. Image source: iWave)
Why Choose Agile for iWave ™ SoM is used to realize PQC
IW-RainboW-G58M system-level modules (Figure 3) are based on Agilex ™ E Series, designed for high-performance embedded applications that require both speed and safety. The SoM contains:
Agile encapsulated with B32A ™ E series FPGA
GB LPDDR4 (for HPS) and dual 2 GB LPDDR4 (for FPGA architecture)
GB eMMC (Scalable) and 1 Gb QSPI Configuration Flash
Transceiver up to 28 Gbps
Up to 656080 logical units
PCIe Gen4, DDR4 and 2.5 G Ethernet PHY connection
Built-in Security Bootstrap, Hardware Trust Root and Encryption Bitstream Protection
The Agilex ™ 5-based iWave FPGA SoM
Figure 3: Agilex based ™ IWave FPGA SoM for 5 (image source: iWave)
This compact module only 60 mm x 70 mm supports Agilex ™ SoC FPGA E series devices, including Group A (A5E065A/052A/043A/028A/013A) and Group B (A5E065B/052B/043B/028B/013B/008B) device variants.
Gg The SoC integrates dual Arm ® Cortex ®- A76 and Dual Cortex ®- The A55 processor, along with a DSP block that supports AITensor, balances performance with energy efficiency and is ideal for next-generation encryption workloads.
Agilex ™ Practical application of PQC
At Agilex ™ Integrated PQC on SoM opens the door to quantum security system design across multiple industries:
Defense and Aerospace: Ensuring Mission-Critical Communications and Satellite Link Security
Telecommunications: Provide Future Security for 5G/6G Networks with Long-Term Encryption Resilience
Industrial automation: protecting firmware and data transfer in interconnected plants
Vehicle: Secure V2X communication and OTA firmware updates
Healthcare: To protect patient data and medical equipment during the whole operation life cycle of the equipment
Finance: protecting digital transactions and intelligent payment systems from quantum threats
Through this cooperation, iWave and Xipwera demonstrated a hardware-based PQC implementation that not only meets today's security benchmarks, but also foresees future encryption requirements.- g.