New post-quantum chip architecture passes key milestone in 28nm test environment

Canada-based BTQ Technologies and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) have completed the first milestone in a multi-year program to validate a new chip architecture designed to accelerate post-quantum cryptography. The Quantum Compute-in-Memory (QCIM) architecture is being developed as part of a broader chip roadmap led by BTQ and ICTK. The technology is intended to provide hardware-based cryptographic acceleration for devices and systems that will need protection against future quantum computers. The companies say the results could support future applications across military systems, industrial equipment, automotive technology, IoT devices, Physical AI and connected infrastructure. Architecture validated in 28-nanometre environment The first phase of the collaboration focused on validating the QCIM core under demanding operating conditions. The architecture was tested within a TSMC 28-nanometre design environment, where researchers evaluated its ability to accelerate cryptographic operations while maintaining functional correctness. The tests covered algorithms associated with FIPS 203, 204 and 205, which form part of NIST’s emerging post-quantum cryptography standards. The architecture is also being designed to support additional algorithms as security requirements and standards evolve. BTQ describes QCIM as a soft IP cryptographic accelerator capable of supporting both conventional and post-quantum cryptographic functions in a compact, low-power design. The key concept is to perform cryptographic operations inside the memory subsystem rather than moving data between separate processing and memory components. This approach is intended to reduce data movement, latency and power consumption. Furthermore, the architecture is also designed to be “crypto-agile,” allowing it to support different cryptographic algorithms as requirements change. From post-quantum algorithms to real-world hardware The development is part of a collaboration involving three different areas of semiconductor expertise. BTQ is contributing its cryptographic architecture, while ICTK provides secure semiconductor and physical unclonable function capabilities. ITRI is contributing semiconductor design, integration and validation expertise. The companies say the completed milestone reduces technical uncertainty around the QCIM architecture and provides a foundation for moving toward broader system integration. The next phase will focus on module-level integration, verification and validation. This work will examine how the QCIM core can be incorporated into larger chip and system architectures while maintaining performance, interoperability and functional correctness. “The results demonstrate that the QCIM architecture can accurately and efficiently accelerate multiple NIST-standardized post-quantum cryptographic algorithms under demanding conditions while maintaining the flexibility required to respond to evolving security standards,” said Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO and chairman of BTQ Technologies. The technology is being targeted at applications where long-term security, device authentication and efficient cryptographic processing are particularly important, including edge computing, industrial systems, secure elements and AI-enabled devices. BTQ also expects to ship test chips to selected customers and strategic partners by the end of the year for performance and functional validation. Dr. Chih-Cheng Lu, manager of ITRI’s Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories, added that the next stage will build on the current results through additional integration and verification.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Bojan Stojkovski is a freelance journalist based in Skopje, North Macedonia, covering foreign policy and technology for more than a decade. His work has appeared in Foreign Policy, ZDNet, and Nature.