Overview

Built-In Security for AI-Powered
Automotive Futures

As vehicles become more autonomous, connected, and software-defined, the application of AI is driving new capabilities and new security challenges. Arm’s Compute Subsystem for Automotive deliver built-in, layered protection to secure AI-driven workloads with targets ASIL B functional safety in next-gen E/E architectures. Designed to protect an expanding attack surface, these solutions help partners safely scale intelligent mobility.


  • Arm Zena CSS targeted to meet ISO 21434 to support UNECE R155 standards
  • Layered defense-in-depth security architecture underpinned by Armv9 Architecture
  • Runtime Security Engine (RSE) as the secure root of trust
  • Integrated high-performance crypto engine
  • Cortex-A720AE CPUs with advanced crypto extensions
  • Secure boot with OTA and anti-rollback feature for firmware updates
  • Cryptographic key and lifecycle management
  • Attestation of software and authentication of sensors, and communications

Features and Benefits

Secure platform

Arm’s RSE (a.k.a HSM) with a performant crypto engine coupled with Armv9 defensive security provides comprehensive secure solution incorporating Arm Zena CSS
Advanced Architecture Features

The CSS Architecture is designed with Secure by design approach incorporating features of root of trust, Armv9 architectural defensive features, with high-performance Crypto extensions and SVE2 for security operations.
Safe and Secure Operations

The platform is built to provide isolation (TEE) for Secure AI Compute, isolated Security execution environment with Safe and secure boot flow, enabling Firmware OTA with anti rollback, Key management , Lifecycle manager for automotive SoCs.
Simplified Software Development

Arm Zena CSS simplifies through TF-M and TF-A reference firmare, comprehensive PSA APIs, detailed developer documentation, and a RSE virtual prototype environment. These tools accelerate secure software integration, validation, and time-to-market for automotive partners.
Zena CSS Security Diagram
Specifications

Arm Zena CSS Security Specifications

Arm’s CSS Security Architecture uses a layered defense to protect against side-channel attacks, featuring a high-performance root of trust (RSE) built on Cortex-M55 with TrustZone and crypto engine. The Security concept is targeted for ASIL B applications, enabling secure boot, OTA updates, key management, Debug authentication.

The Arm Zena CSS reference firmware integrates PSA APIs and TF-M, for seamless crypto operation on RSE and on further the OpenSSL and TF-A support on A720AE with crypto provides enables high performance crypto operations.

Compute Subsystems

Explore Arm Zena CSS

Arm Zena CSS

Arm Zena CSS

Arm Zena CSS is the fastest path to building high-performance automotive SoCs on Arm. It delivers leading performance-per-watt and functional safety and cybersecurity solutions to accelerate time–to–market.

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Arm Zena CSS Safety

Arm Zena CSS Safety

Automotive designs demand high levels of safety integrity to help ensure fail-safe operations. The Arm Zena CSS Safety has a ASIL D diagnostic and systematic capability; it acts as a trusted and high-integrity component to carry out fault monitoring and system control.

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Use Cases
Where Innovation and Ideas Come to Life

Safety for AI and CSS for Heterogenous Redundant Executions

AI is transforming automotive applications, from autonomous driving to in-vehicle experience and predictive maintenance. Arm Zena CSS delivers energy-efficient, heterogeneous processing with advanced features to boost AI performance. Its systematic developed primary compute platform supports and enables partners to build redundant software execution strategy, cross-checks of sensor algorithms with and without AI inference for reliable and predictable autonomous driving. The Safety Island provides a platform for partners to monitors this orchestration, offering a scalable solution for evolving AI needs.

Talk with an Expert

Find out how Arm Zena CSS can provide the balance of power efficiency and performance for Automotive.

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Resources

Arm Zena CSS Security Resources

CSS Resources

Blogs