As quantum computing continues its rapid advance, the race is on to secure digital systems against the threat it poses to traditional public-key cryptography. EnSilica, a UK-based provider of custom ASIC design and IP solutions, has taken a significant step forward in this field by announcing a novel Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) IP block that offers both robust future-proof security and impressive silicon efficiency.

A Unified IP Block for the Quantum Era

EnSilica’s new three-in-one PQC IP block combines Kyber, Dilithium, and SHA3 into a single, compact hardware solution. Kyber (for key encapsulation) and Dilithium (for digital signatures) are two of the algorithms selected by NIST for post-quantum standardization, making them key building blocks for the next generation of secure systems. SHA3 is an essential hashing function that supports these operations.

By integrating all three cryptographic primitives into one core, EnSilica reports a silicon area saving of up to 60% compared to implementing the three functions separately. This space reduction is crucial for ASIC and SoC designs targeting power- and cost-sensitive applications, including IoT, automotive, and secure communications.

Flexibility and Performance Without Compromise

The IP block supports configurable performance levels and parameter sets for both Kyber and Dilithium, allowing customers to strike the right balance between speed, resource usage, and security level. It has been optimized to meet real-world throughput requirements, while minimizing gate count and memory footprint.

The IP is designed for seamless integration into ASICs and FPGAs, and includes a standard AMBA interface to make it accessible across a broad range of embedded systems. EnSilica is targeting customers who need to start PQC integration today—well ahead of regulatory mandates that are expected in the coming years.

Why It Matters

Governments and industry bodies such as the NSA and NIST have already issued guidance recommending migration to quantum-resistant cryptography. However, the hardware implementation of PQC algorithms has often been criticized for being bulky or inefficient.

EnSilica’s announcement is a timely response to these challenges. By delivering a compact, standards-aligned, and production-ready IP block, the company is helping customers future-proof their products without incurring the usual silicon and power penalties.

Availability

The three-in-one PQC IP core is available now and can be licensed directly from EnSilica. Evaluation kits and technical documentation are also available for interested customers.

For more information, visit: https://www.ensilica.com/news/ensilica-cuts-post-quantum-cryptography-pqc-silicon-area-with-three-in-one-ip-block