Secure smart metering introduced in Germany
NXP Semiconductors N.V. has been selected by Power Plus Communications, the leading provider of Broadband Powerline communications, and Smart Meter Gateways to provide Hardware Security Modules for its gateway platforms.
By joining forces with NXP, the leader in secure IC solutions, Power Plus Communications is making a strategic step to realize the transformation of the existing German energy network into an intelligent and secure grid infrastructure.
The NXP Security Module – a key component of communications gateways in critical grid infrastructure – will enable Power Plus Communications and Smart Meter Gateway development partner OpenLimit to meet the new Security Protection Profile and associated technical directives for smart metering systems as issued by BSI, the Federal Office of Information Security in Germany.
The embedded Security Module enables strong authentication of metering systems to the Cloud while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data exchanged between data management operators, control systems, metering equipment and smart home devices.
The NXP Security Module will be certified according to the BSI Common Criteria Protection Profile and is an integral part of the company's A-series Cyber Security products, a family of turn-key solutions tailored to different device types such as meters, communications gateways and hubs, data concentrators, intelligent devices or industrial controllers.
"NXP is delighted to partner with an innovative company such as Power Plus Communications, creating ground-breaking, secure smart grid technologies using NXP Cyber Security chips," says Sami Nassar, Vice President and General Manager Authentication at NXP Semiconductors. "Our partnership with Power Plus Communications is built upon NXP's long-time expertise in security technology, as well as our leading position in the overall Identification market. It also builds on our experience in key market segments such as eGovernment, banking, public transport and mobile transactions."
NXP's partnership with Power Plus Communications will leverage the advanced IntegralSecurity architecture of NXP's SmartMX high-security microcontrollers – incorporating more than 100 security features to protect the cryptographic keys and computations – as one of the elements of its end-to-end system security.
NXP has shipped more than one billion SmartMX chips to customers, including 86 out of 102 countries with ePassport projects and leading financial institutions worldwide.
"NXP is a committed partner and we are very excited to integrate A-series proven and high performance security technology into our platforms,'' added Ingo Schönberg, CEO of Power Plus Communications..
Provided by NXP Semiconductors