Bench Talk

New Tech Tuesdays

Join Rudy Ramos for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers.

Cybersecurity in space refers to the measures taken to protect spacecraft, satellites, and other space-based systems from cyber threats such as hacking, unauthorized access, and malware attacks. Digital engineering, on the other hand, refers to using digital technologies and approaches to design, develop, and operate complex systems, including space systems.

Space systems rely on complex networked systems and digital technologies to function and perform their intended missions, which makes them vulnerable to cyber threats. Cybersecurity in space is critical for the safety and reliability of these systems and for protecting sensitive data and communication channels.

Digital engineering can play a role in cybersecurity in space by enabling the development of robust and secure systems using digital tools and techniques. This can include using advanced modeling and simulation tools to design and test the security of space systems as well as using digital approaches to manage and monitor the security of these systems throughout their lifecycle.

The OPTIGA™ Trust M Evaluation Kit from Infineon Technologies takes the secured connectivity to the cloud to the next level with secured zero-touch provisioning, easy integration, future-proof security, and performance. The OPTIGA^™ Trust M solution is a high-end security controller optimized for connected devices. It provides extremely flexible, high-performance, secured access to any major cloud provider for industrial and building automation, smart home, and consumer applications. The OPTIGA^™ Trust M offers ease of integration and a wide range of security features, including CC EAL6+ (high) certified high-end security controller, I²C interface with shielded connection, cryptographic toolbox, and MIT licensed software framework on GitHub.

MAXQ1065 Evaluation Kit from Maxim Integrated consists of five MAXQ1065GTC+ devices in a 12-pin TDFN package and a MAXQ1065 evaluation 12-pin TDFN socket board. The device makes it fast and easy to implement full security for embedded and connected products without requiring firmware development. The MAXQ1065 coprocessors can be designed-in from the start or added to an existing design to guarantee confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of the device. The MAXQ1065 EV kit is designed to be compatible with a variety of platforms, including PC, Raspberry Pi, Arduino Uno, and custom motherboards. The software development kit (SDK) provides several tools for evaluating the MAXQ1065 socket board using one of the supported platforms. The SDK is available by request.

Cybersecurity in space is a crucial consideration for the design, development, and operation of space systems, and digital engineering plays a key role in enabling the creation of secure and reliable space systems. This week's products address the growing focus on securing embedded systems and cloud service provisioning. AI and cloud services are driving innovative applications in space, including those related to cybersecurity. The number of devices connected to these applications is exponentially growing, presenting opportunities, and increasing security risks. This week's devices and development platforms allow for the fast-tracking of digital engineering solutions to implement comprehensive security for embedded and connected products.