ASCON IP Core: NIST Lightweight Cryptography Standard

High-performance, NIST-standard ASCON IP cores for FPGA and ASIC. RTL implementations of the authenticated encryption and hashing algorithms optimized for area, power, and throughput.

ASCON hardware security concept

The New Standard in Lightweight Cryptography

In 2023, the ASCON family was selected by NIST as the standard for Lightweight Cryptography (LWC).

Designed for resource-constrained devices (IoT, embedded systems, RFIDs) and high-performance scenarios requiring robust, efficient security, ASCON provides authenticated encryption with associated data (AEAD) and hashing functions.

Vicip offers a suite of hardware IP cores that implement the ASCON algorithm. Our RTL designs allow you to seamlessly integrate NIST-standard security into your silicon or FPGA design with minimal overhead.

Why Choose Vicip's ASCON IP?

NIST Compliance

Full compliance with the final NIST Lightweight Cryptography standard (NIST IR 8454), ensuring your product meets the latest federal security guidelines.

Optimized Architectures

We offer multiple core configurations to suit your design goals: Area-Optimized for minimal gate count, or High-Throughput with pipelined architectures for high-speed data processing.

Easy Integration

Clean, synchronous RTL (Verilog) with well-documented interfaces. AMBA AXI4/AXI4-Stream or simple FIFO interfaces available.

Side-Channel Resistance

Options for hardened cores with countermeasures against power analysis and electromagnetic attacks (available upon request).

Core Functions Available

Our ASCON IP portfolio can be licensed as individual modules or as a combined package.

ASCON-AEAD Encoder

Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data

Implements ASCON-128 and ASCON-128a for encryption. Provides confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity in a single pass. Ideal for secure IoT communication links, secure boot, and firmware authentication.

Encoder Datasheet

ASCON-AEAD Decoder

Authenticated Decryption with Associated Data

Implements ASCON-128 and ASCON-128a for decryption. Perfect companion to the encoder core for complete secure communication channels requiring hardware-accelerated authentication and decryption.

Decoder Datasheet

ASCON Hash/XOF/CXOF

Cryptographic Hashing / Extendable Output Functions

Multi-mode core implementing ASCON-HASH256, ASCON-HASHA, ASCON-XOF128, and ASCON-CXOF128. Complete hashing suite for digital signatures, integrity checks, and random number generation.

Hash Datasheet

Need all three?

We offer combined licensing packages for the complete ASCON suite. Contact us for bundle pricing.

INQUIRE ABOUT BUNDLES

Target Applications

Integrate our ASCON IP into your next-generation designs for:

IoT & Edge Devices

Secure sensor data transmission and device authentication with minimal power and area overhead.

Automotive

Secure in-vehicle communication (CAN FD, Ethernet) and V2X with NIST-standard lightweight cryptography.

Consumer Electronics

Low-power security for wearables, smart home devices, and personal medical gadgets.

Industrial Control

Protecting critical infrastructure communication protocols with hardware-accelerated security.

RFID & Smart Tags

Ultra-low power authentication for supply chain security, access control, and inventory management.

5G Telecommunications

Lightweight authentication for massive machine-type communications (mMTC) in cellular networks.

Ready to secure your design?

Not sure which configuration (area vs. speed) is right for your application? Our engineering team can help you select the right core and provide synthesis numbers for your target technology.

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