Building Quantum-Resilient Embedded Systems with iWave’s Agilex™ 5 System on Module

As quantum computing advances, it poses an unprecedented challenge to conventional encryption methods. Algorithms such as RSA and ECC, once considered secure, may soon become vulnerable to quantum attacks capable of breaking them in mere seconds. This emerging reality demands a transition toward Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)—a new class of cryptographic algorithms designed to secure data even in the quantum era.

Recognizing the urgency of this evolution, iWave Global, a leader in FPGA and embedded computing platforms, has partnered with Xiphera, a Finland-based specialist in hardware-level security IP, to deliver quantum-safe cryptographic capability on iWave’s Agilex™ 5 System on Module (SoM) powered by Altera.

Enabling Post-Quantum Security with Xiphera xQlave® on Agilex™ 5

Xiphera’s xQlave® product family brings robust, quantum-secure cryptography to FPGA hardware. It implements NIST-standardized PQC algorithms, including ML-KEM (Key Encapsulation Mechanism) and ML-DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm), ensuring long-term security against both classical and quantum attacks.

Through this collaboration, iWave successfully integrated Xiphera’s xQlave® IP cores into the Agilex™ 5 SoM, enabling real-time, hardware-accelerated PQC operations such as key exchange and digital signing directly within the FPGA fabric. The result is a low-latency, side-channel-resistant cryptographic solution that future-proofs embedded systems against emerging quantum threats.

Implementation Highlights

The PQC implementation leverages Xiphera’s ML-KEM (Kyber) and ML-DSA (Dilithium) IP cores on iWave’s Agilex™ 5 platform (Figure 1).

Figure 1: iWave’s Agilex™ 5 SoM. (Image source: iWave)

The key technical capabilities include:

• Compliance with NIST specifications for ML-KEM and ML-DSA
• Protection against timing-based side-channel attacks
• High performance, executing thousands of cryptographic operations per second
• Ease of integration via standard embedded interfaces

Demo Setup:

The demonstration environment consists of an Altera Agilex™ 5-based iWave FPGA board connected to a Linux laptop (Figure 2). The FPGA runs Xiphera ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and TRNG IP cores alongside a soft-core RISC-V processor managing system communication. Cryptographic operations—key encapsulation and digital signing—are performed directly on the FPGA, showcasing quantum-resistant security in real time.

FPGA Device: A5ED065BB32AE5SR0

Figure 2: The demonstration setup with an Altera Agilex™ 5-based iWave FPGA board connected to a Linux laptop. (Image source: iWave)

Why Choose iWave’s Agilex™ 5 SoM for PQC

The iW-RainboW-G58M System on Module (Figure 3), based on the Agilex™ 5 E-Series, is designed for high-performance embedded applications that require both speed and security. The SoM includes:

• Agilex™ 5 E-Series FPGA with B32A package
• 2 GB LPDDR4 for HPS and dual 2 GB LPDDR4 for FPGA fabric
• 16 GB eMMC (expandable) and 1 Gb QSPI configuration flash
• 24 transceivers up to 28 Gbps
• Up to 656,080 logic cells
• PCIe Gen4, DDR4, and 2.5 G Ethernet PHY connectivity
• Built-in secure boot, hardware root of trust, and encrypted bitstream protection

Figure 3: The Agilex™ 5-based iWave FPGA SoM. (Image source: iWave)

Measuring just 60 mm x 70 mm, the compact module supports the full Agilex™ 5 SoC FPGA E-Series family, including both Group A (A5E065A/052A/043A/028A/013A) and Group B (A5E065B/052B/043B/028B/013B/008B) device variants.

The SoC integrates dual Arm® Cortex®-A76 and dual Cortex®-A55 processors, coupled with AI Tensor-enabled DSP blocks, delivering a balance of performance and power efficiency ideal for next-generation cryptographic workloads.

Real-World Applications of PQC on Agilex™ 5

The integration of PQC on the Agilex™ 5 SoM opens the door to quantum-safe system design across multiple industries:

• Defense & Aerospace: Secures mission-critical communications and satellite links
• Telecommunications: Future-proofs 5G/6G networks with long-term encryption resilience
• Industrial Automation: Protects firmware and data transfers in connected factories
• Automotive: Ensures secure V2X communication and OTA firmware updates
• Healthcare: Safeguards patient data and medical devices over their full operational lifecycle
• Finance: Defends digital transactions and smart payment systems from quantum threats

Through this partnership, iWave and Xiphera have demonstrated a hardware-based PQC implementation that not only meets today’s security benchmarks but also anticipates the encryption needs of tomorrow.

Long-Term Reliability and Design Support

iWave guarantees 10+ years of product longevity for its System on Modules, ensuring design continuity for industrial and defense-grade applications. Developers receive comprehensive documentation, BSPs, and software drivers, along with ODM design services for carrier card design, thermal validation, and production integration.

This commitment empowers OEMs to accelerate deployment of quantum-secure embedded platforms—from prototype to production.

iWave is a global provider of FPGA-based System on Modules (SoMs) and ODM design services, enabling customers to build next-generation solutions in industrial, medical, automotive, and defense markets. With deep expertise in FPGA design, AI acceleration, and secure embedded computing, iWave helps transform product concepts into reliable, production-ready systems.

For more information, visit www.iwave-global.com or contact mktg@iwave-global.com