Secure Element Programming Services

If your products use secure element ICs, you may need to have them programmed before they reach your assembly line. ProEx can provide secure element programming services to electronics manufacturers to determine whether that programming can be completed at the component level.

The first question is whether your particular chips can support the work. Not all secure elements accept externally loaded credentials, and some require specialized programming equipment or manufacturer authorization.

Send us the part numbers and programming specifications, and our team will review the requirements and determine what’s possible for your project. 

Secure Element Programming Capabilities

Secure elements are used for a range of security applications, but what can actually be programmed varies from one component to another.

We evaluate programming requirements involving:

• Cryptographic keys

• Digital certificates

• Unique device identifiers

• Authentication credentials

• Security configuration settings

• Memory protection and lock settings

For example, your application may require a unique identifier to be written to each component, along with a certificate and other authentication data.

In other cases, the programming may involve configuring protection settings that prevent certain changes once the device is in use.

Not all operations are possible on every chip. Private keys can be be generated internally, while certain security settings can be permanent once applied. These limitations need to be understood before your programming begins.

Checking Component And Equipment Compatibility

Knowing what needs to be programmed is only a part of the job. The programming equipment must also support the device and the specific operations requested.

We review compatibility with Data I/O and DediProg equipment, along with the manufacturer specific programming instructions.

Our team’s review covers the device package, programming interface, required software, and specialized adapters or licenses if there are any. Locked or factory programmed components may have additional restrictions. 

Our team will consult the equipment provider or semiconductor manufacturer prior to making a commitment if support is unclear. 

Programming Secure Elements Prior To PCB Assembly

ProEx’s initial focus is on programming secure elements individually before their installation on circuit boards. 

Completing this work prior to PCB assembly can eliminate programming operations that typically take place after assembly by manufacturers. 

Our team will confirm your expected quantities, packaging requirements, and production schedule. Component identification and traceability requirements can be addressed as part of that planning.

Some devices cannot be fully provisioned until after assembly. If yours fall into that category, that determination will be made during the evaluation.

Verification And Handling Of Sensitive Component Data

Programming a component is one thing. Confirming that the correct information was written is another.

Verification can involve checking identifiers, certificate data, configuration settings, or supported authentication results. The appropriate checks are determined by the component and the acceptance criteria established for the project.

Any sensitive keys or credentials also require an agreed handling process. We'll work with you and the equipment provider to define how that information is transferred, accessed, stored, and retained. Protected secrets should not need to be exposed during verification.

Request A Secure Element Programming Quote

Have a production run coming up that requires secure element programming?

Contact ProEx with your part numbers, datasheets, programming instructions, and expected quantities.