In a notable step toward stronger, more efficient encryption for resource-constrained systems, CAST Inc. has released the first commercially available IP core implementing the SNOW-V stream cipher—a milestone for hardware security in 5G, automotive, and IoT markets.

The new SNOW-V Stream Cipher IP core (IP-SNOWV) delivers a high-performance, compact, and energy-efficient encryption solution built to meet the demands of modern low-latency communication systems. This makes it especially appealing for emerging use cases like Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications, massive IoT networks, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) in 5G.

Why SNOW-V?

SNOW-V was developed as a successor to the widely used SNOW 3G cipher, which has been deployed in 3GPP mobile networks for years. SNOW-V brings a more modern structure, better performance, and scalability to meet the rising computational and security demands of next-gen networks.

Approved by the International Association for Cryptologic Research (IACR) as part of its lightweight cryptography portfolio, SNOW-V combines robust security with low power and small silicon area, making it well-suited for hardware implementations.

Key Highlights of CAST’s SNOW-V IP Core:

✅ High throughput: Designed for efficient hardware acceleration

✅ Low area and power: Ideal for edge and embedded systems

✅ Scalable performance: Configurable for diverse application needs

✅ Compliant and production-ready: Available with design documentation and integration support

CAST continues to strengthen its reputation as a go-to provider of IP for embedded systems, networking, and security. With SNOW-V, it now offers an encryption engine that balances speed, size, and security—at the edge and in the cloud.

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