UNISOC is one of the world’s leading fabless semiconductor companies, providing chipsets for a wide range of mobile communications devices, including intelligent IoT devices, such as smart speakers and smart lighting systems that rely on secure connectivity as a key capability.
To demonstrate the highest possible levels of security in AI-based IoT devices, UNISOC became the first company in China to achieve PSA Certified Level 1 for its recently released V5663 chipset, based on Arm Cortex-M33 technology back in 2019. They then followed up with a PSA Certified Level 2 certification for the same chip in 2020.
The powerful chipset combines AI performance, secure hardware, and software, and protected connectivity so manufacturers can create IoT devices that use AI—for example, a smart speaker that can pick up keywords and control other devices within the home.
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PSA Certified reinforces the quality and performance of our AI chipset with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. We can offer a compelling cost model to many of the leading smart device makers and give them the assurance they and consumers need around security.
Independent Testing Drives Consumer Confidence
The PSA Certified program helps chipmakers ensure that their chipsets are secure, and gives both manufacturers and consumers confidence that this built-in security has passed an independent evaluation.
“The combination of AI and IoT makes security more complex,” explains Henry Yu at UNISOC. “AIoT devices tend to be produced in smaller quantities and have a diverse set of feature requirements, including connectivity. The UNISOC chipset V5663 offers a secure foundation for connected devices that need performance, power efficiency, and security— from warehouse logistics applications to smart home products to medical devices.”
In a crowded marketplace, chips identified as PSA Certified are easily recognized as secure by both manufacturers and users—especially important for companies dealing with overseas customers.
“PSA Certified is a global standard, so customers who are not familiar with China’s security standards can be reassured that the product has achieved levels of security established by leading global experts,” Yu says.“ As consumers become increasingly interested in devices that can make their lives easier through voice commands and in-home connectivity, it’s even more important they are reassured that their data is protected.”
Protection Throughout Product Lifecycle
Furthermore, the security built into a PSA Certified device makes it possible to protect confidential data throughout the product’s lifecycle, from manufacture to recycling—a feature Yu says is critical for devices that store payment information, contact details, and other vulnerable information.
“PSA Certified advises on how to protect devices from manufacture to recycle, so when consumers recycle or dispose of their smart speaker, smartphone or other devices, they know their information is protected,” Yu adds.
“PSA Certified reinforces the quality and performance of our AI chipset with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity,” Yu says. “We can offer a compelling cost model to many of the leading smart device makers and give them the assurance they and consumers need around security.”