36. Secure AES coprocessor (SAES)

36.1 SAES introduction

The secure AES coprocessor (SAES) encrypts or decrypts data in compliance with the advanced encryption standard (AES) defined by NIST. It incorporates a protection against side-channel attacks (SCA), including differential power analysis (DPA), required for SESIP and PSA security assurance level 3 target.

SAES supports ECB, CBC, CTR, GCM, GMAC, and CCM chaining modes for key sizes of 128 or 256 bits, as well as special modes such as hardware secret key encryption/decryption (wrapped-key mode) and key sharing with faster CRYP peripheral (shared-key mode).

SAES has the possibility to load by hardware STM32 hardware secret master keys (boot hardware key BHK, application hardware key AHK, and derived hardware unique key DHUK), usable but not readable by the application.

The peripheral supports DMA single transfers for incoming and outgoing data (two DMA channels are required). It is hardware-linked with the true random number generator (TRNG) and with the CRYP peripheral.

36.2 SAES main features

36.3 SAES implementation

The devices have one SAES peripheral, connected with TAMP backup registers (BHK - boot hardware key) and with the Flash memory interface (AHK - application hardware key), and implemented as per the following table. It shares the key with the CRYP peripheral. For comparison, the CRYP peripheral is also included in the table.

Table 324. CRYP versus SAES features

Modes or features (1)CRYPSAES
ECB, CBC chainingXX
CTR, CCM, GCM chainingXX
AES 128-bit ECB encryption in cycles14480
DHUK and BHK key selection-X
Resistance to side-channel attacks-X
Shared key between SAES and CRYPX
Key sizes in bits128, 192, 256128, 256

1. X = supported.

36.4 SAES functional description

36.4.1 SAES block diagram

Figure 352 shows the block diagram of SAES.

Figure 352. SAES block diagram

SAES block diagram showing internal architecture including AES core, PRNG, AHB interface, DMA interface, and various registers like SAES_KEYRx, SAES_IVRx, SAES_SR, SAES_CR, SAES_DOUTR, and SAES_DINR. It also shows external connections for RNG bus, 32-bit AHB bus, saes_hclk, saes_in_dma, saes_out_dma, saes_it, and saes_itamp_out.

The block diagram illustrates the internal architecture of the SAES peripheral. At the center is the 'AES Core (AEA)' which is connected to a 'swap' block. The 'swap' block feeds into 'DOUT' and 'DIN' lines that connect to 'SAES_DOUTR' and 'SAES_DINR' registers respectively. These registers are part of a 'Banked registers' group which also includes 'SAES_KEYRx', 'SAES_IVRx', 'SAES_SR', and 'SAES_CR'. A 'Control Logic' block manages these registers and interfaces with the 'AHB interface', 'DMA interface', and 'IRQ interface'. The 'AHB interface' connects to a '32-bit AHB bus' and provides 'status' and 'control' signals. The 'DMA interface' handles 'saes_in_dma' and 'saes_out_dma' signals. The 'IRQ interface' generates the 'saes_it' interrupt. A 'PRNG' block connected to an 'RNG bus' provides 'sca/dpa protections'. A 'Shared key' is passed from the 'AES' block to the 'KEY' input of the 'AES Core (AEA)'. This 'KEY' is also derived from 'RHUK' and 'BHK' inputs through a 'KGen' block and a 'DHUK' calculation block. The 'TAMP' block contains backup registers (TAMP_BKP0R to TAMP_BKP7R) and generates the 'saes_itamp_out' signal when a tamper event occurs.

SAES block diagram showing internal architecture including AES core, PRNG, AHB interface, DMA interface, and various registers like SAES_KEYRx, SAES_IVRx, SAES_SR, SAES_CR, SAES_DOUTR, and SAES_DINR. It also shows external connections for RNG bus, 32-bit AHB bus, saes_hclk, saes_in_dma, saes_out_dma, saes_it, and saes_itamp_out.

Note: AES represents the CRYP peripheral.

36.4.2 SAES internal signals

Table 325 describes the user relevant internal signals interfacing the SAES peripheral.

Table 325. SAES internal input/output signals

Signal nameSignal typeDescription
saes_hclkInputAHB bus clock
saes_ker_ckInputSAES kernel clock.
saes_itOutputSAES interrupt request
saes_in_dmaInput/OutputSAES incoming data DMA single request/acknowledge
saes_out_dmaInput/OutputSAES processed data DMA single request/acknowledge
saes_itamp_outOutputTamper event signal to TAMP (XOR-ed), triggered when an unexpected hardware fault occurs. When this signal is triggered, SAES automatically clears key registers. A reset is required for SAES to be usable again.
RHUKInput256-bit root hardware unique key (nonvolatile, unique per device and secret to software), used to internally compute the derived hardware unique key (DHUK)
BHK (1)Input256-bit boot hardware key (BHK) stored in tamper-resistant backup registers and written during boot. Once written, this key cannot be read nor written by any application until the next product reset.
Table 325. SAES internal input/output signals (continued)
Signal nameSignal typeDescription
AHK (2)Input128-bit or 256-bit nonvolatile application hardware key from the embedded Flash memory, secret to software.
SOIDInputStatic operating ID hardware input used during each DHUK computation. Its change causes the erasure of key registers and sets the KEIF flag.
  1. 1. Connected to a set of backup registers in TAMP peripheral that are written, then read/write locked, by the application software (see Section 36.4.17 for details).
  2. 2. Connected to the embedded flash memory controller (see Section 36.4.17 for details).

36.4.3 SAES reset and clocks

The SAES peripheral is clocked by the AHB bus clock. It has a dedicated reset bit and a dedicated kernel clock, controlled through the RCC.

The SAES reset in RCC is mandatory when a hardware tamper event occurs in SAES. Refer to Managing tamper errors in Section 36.4.19 for details.

After clocking then releasing the reset of the SAES peripheral in the RCC, SAES automatically draws random numbers from the RNG, setting the BUSY bit of the SAES_SR register. Refer to the RNG error interrupt flag (RNGEIF) in Section 36.4.19 for details.

This background task must be completed before the device enters a low-power mode.

36.4.4 SAES symmetric cipher implementation

The secure AES coprocessor (SAES) is a 32-bit AHB peripheral that encrypts or decrypts 16-byte blocks of data using the advanced encryption standard (AES). It also implements a set of approved AES symmetric key security functions summarized in Table 326 . Those functions can be certified NIST PUB 140-3.

Table 326. SAES approved symmetric key functions
OperationsAlgorithmSpecificationKey bit lengthsChaining modes
Encryption, decryptionAESFIPS PUB 197
NIST SP800-38A
128, 256ECB, CBC, CTR
Authenticated encryption or decryptionNIST SP800-38C
NIST SP800-38D
GCM, CCM
Cipher-based message authentication codeNIST SP800-38DGMAC

SAES can be used directly by the CPU, or indirectly, using two DMA channels (one for the plaintext, one for the ciphertext).

It is possible to suspend then resume any SAES processing, following the sequence described in Section 36.4.8 .

36.4.5 SAES encryption or decryption typical usage

The following figure shows a typical operation for encryption or decryption.

Figure 353. Encryption/ decryption typical usage

Flowchart illustrating the typical usage for SAES encryption or decryption. The process starts with 'Start' leading to 'Initialization'. From 'Initialization', it goes to a decision 'ECB or CBC decryption?'. If 'Yes', it goes to 'Round key preparation'. If 'No', it goes to 'Data append'. Both 'Round key preparation' and 'Data append' lead to a decision 'Last block?'. If 'Yes', it goes to 'All bytes valid?'. If 'No', it loops back to 'Data append'. From 'All bytes valid?', if 'Yes', it goes to 'Finalize'. If 'No', it goes to a decision 'ECB or CBC chaining?'. If 'Yes', it goes to 'Data stealing'. If 'No', it goes to 'Data padding'. Both 'Data padding' and 'Data stealing' lead to 'Finalize'. 'Finalize' leads to 'End'. The diagram is labeled MSv66120V1.
graph TD
    Start([Start]) --> Init([Initialization])
    Init --> Dec{ECB or CBC decryption?}
    Dec -- Yes --> RoundKey([Round key preparation])
    Dec -- No --> DataAppend([Data append])
    RoundKey --> LastBlock{Last block?}
    DataAppend --> LastBlock
    LastBlock -- Yes --> AllBytesValid{All bytes valid?}
    LastBlock -- No --> DataAppend
    AllBytesValid -- Yes --> Finalize([Finalize])
    AllBytesValid -- No --> Chaining{ECB or CBC chaining?}
    Chaining -- Yes --> DataStealing([Data stealing])
    Chaining -- No --> DataPadding([Data padding])
    DataStealing --> Finalize
    DataPadding --> Finalize
    Finalize --> End([End])
  
Flowchart illustrating the typical usage for SAES encryption or decryption. The process starts with 'Start' leading to 'Initialization'. From 'Initialization', it goes to a decision 'ECB or CBC decryption?'. If 'Yes', it goes to 'Round key preparation'. If 'No', it goes to 'Data append'. Both 'Round key preparation' and 'Data append' lead to a decision 'Last block?'. If 'Yes', it goes to 'All bytes valid?'. If 'No', it loops back to 'Data append'. From 'All bytes valid?', if 'Yes', it goes to 'Finalize'. If 'No', it goes to a decision 'ECB or CBC chaining?'. If 'Yes', it goes to 'Data stealing'. If 'No', it goes to 'Data padding'. Both 'Data padding' and 'Data stealing' lead to 'Finalize'. 'Finalize' leads to 'End'. The diagram is labeled MSv66120V1.

Initialization

The SAES peripheral is initialized according to the chaining mode. Refer to Section 36.4.9: SAES basic chaining modes (ECB, CBC) and Section 36.4.10: SAES counter (CTR) mode for details.

Data append

This section describes different ways of appending data for processing. For ECB or CBC chaining modes, refer to Section 36.4.7: SAES ciphertext stealing and data padding if the size of data to process is not a multiple of 16 bytes. The last block management in these cases is more complex than what is described in this section.

Appending data using the CPU in polling mode

This method uses flag polling to control the data append through the following sequence:

  1. 1. Enable the SAES peripheral when KEYVALID is set, by setting the EN bit of the SAES_CR register (if not already done).
  2. 2. Repeat the following sub-sequence until the payload is entirely processed:
    1. a) Write four input data words into the SAES_DINR register.
    2. b) Wait until the status flag CCF is set in the SAES_ISR register, then read the four data words from the SAES_DOUTR register.
    3. c) Clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register.
    4. d) If the next processing block is the last block, pad (when applicable) the data with zeros to obtain a complete block, and specify the number of non-valid bytes (using

NPBLB[3:0]) in case of GCM payload encryption or CCM payload decryption (otherwise the tag computation is wrong).

  1. As the data block just processed is the last block of the message, optionally discard the data that is not part of the message/payload, then disable the SAES peripheral by clearing EN.

Note: Up to three wait cycles are automatically inserted between two consecutive writes to the SAES_DINR register, to allow sending the key to the AES co-processor.
NPBLB[3:0] bitfield is not used in header phase of GCM, GMAC and CCM chaining modes.

Appending data using the CPU in interrupt mode

The method uses interrupt from the SAES peripheral to control the data append, through the following sequence:

  1. Enable interrupts from SAES, by setting the CCFIE bit of the SAES_IER register.
  2. Enable the SAES peripheral when KEYVALID is set, by setting EN (if not already done).
  3. Write first four input data words into the SAES_DINR register.
  4. Handle the data in the SAES interrupt service routine. Upon each interrupt:
    1. Read four output data words from the SAES_DOUTR register.
    2. Clear the CCF flag and thus the pending interrupt, by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register.
    3. If the next processing block is the last block of the message, pad (when applicable) the data with zeros to obtain a complete block, and specify the number of non-valid bytes (through NPBLB[3:0]) in case of GCM payload encryption or CCM payload decryption (otherwise the tag computation is wrong). Then proceed with point 4e).
    4. If the data block just processed is the last block of the message, optionally discard the data that are not part of the message/payload, then disable the SAES peripheral by clearing EN and quit the interrupt service routine.
    5. Write next four input data words into the SAES_DINR register and quit the interrupt service routine.

Note: SAES is tolerant of delays between consecutive read or write operations, which allows, for example, an interrupt from another peripheral to be served between two SAES computations.
The NPBLB[3:0] bitfield is not used in the header phase of GCM, GMAC, and CCM chaining modes.

Appending data using DMA

With this method, all the transfers and processing are managed by DMA and SAES. Proceed as follows:

  1. If the last block of the message to process is shorter than 16 bytes, prepare the last four-word data block by padding the remainder of the block with zeros.
  2. Configure the DMA controller so as to transfer the data to process from the memory to the SAES peripheral input and the processed data from the SAES peripheral output to the memory, as described in Section 36.6: SAES DMA requests . Configure the DMA controller so as to generate an interrupt on transfer completion. For GCM payload encryption or CCM payload decryption, the DMA transfer must not include the last four-word block if padded with zeros. The sequence described in Appending data using the CPU in polling mode must be used instead for this last block, because the

NPBLB[3:0] bitfield must be set up before processing the block, for SAES to compute a correct tag.

  1. 3. Enable the SAES peripheral when KEYVALID is set, by setting EN (if not already done).
  2. 4. Enable DMA requests, by setting DMAINEN and DMAOUTEN.
  3. 5. Upon DMA interrupt indicating the transfer completion, get the SAES-processed data from the memory.

Note: The CCF flag has no use with this method because the reading of the SAES_DOUTR register is managed by DMA automatically, without any software action, at the end of the computation phase.
The NPBLB[3:0] bitfield is not used in the header phase of GCM, GMAC, and CCM chaining modes.

36.4.6 SAES authenticated encryption, decryption, and cipher-based message authentication

The following figure shows a typical operation for authenticated encryption or decryption, and for cipher-based message authentication.

Figure 354. Typical operation with authentication

Flowchart illustrating the typical operation with authentication for SAES. The process starts with 'Start' leading to 'Initialization', then 'Header phase init', and 'Header data append'. A decision 'Last block?' follows. If 'No', it loops back to 'Header data append'. If 'Yes', it checks 'All bytes valid?'. If 'No', it goes to 'Data padding' and then to a decision 'cipher-based* authentication?'. If 'Yes' to 'cipher-based*', it goes to 'Finalization'. If 'No', it goes to 'Payload phase init'. If 'Yes' to 'All bytes valid?', it goes directly to 'cipher-based* authentication?'. From 'cipher-based*', if 'Yes', it goes to 'Finalization'. If 'No', it goes to 'Payload phase init'. The 'Payload phase' consists of 'Payload phase init', 'Payload data append', 'Last block?' (looping to 'Payload data append' if 'No'), 'All bytes valid?' (if 'No', goes to 'Data padding' then 'Finalization'; if 'Yes', goes to 'Finalization'). 'Finalization' leads to 'End'. A note indicates '*' such as GMAC. The diagram is labeled MSV66121V1.
graph TD
    Start([Start]) --> Init([Initialization])
    Init --> HInit([Header phase init])
    HInit --> HData[Header data append]
    HData --> HLast{Last block?}
    HLast -- No --> HData
    HLast -- Yes --> HValid{All bytes valid?}
    HValid -- No --> HPad[Data padding]
    HPad --> HAuth{cipher-based* authentication?}
    HValid -- Yes --> HAuth
    HAuth -- Yes --> Final([Finalization])
    HAuth -- No --> PInit([Payload phase init])
    PInit --> PData[Payload data append]
    PData --> PLast{Last block?}
    PLast -- No --> PData
    PLast -- Yes --> PValid{All bytes valid?}
    PValid -- No --> PPad[Data padding]
    PPad --> Final
    PValid -- Yes --> Final
    Final --> End([End])
    style HAuth note for HAuth "* such as GMAC"
  
Flowchart illustrating the typical operation with authentication for SAES. The process starts with 'Start' leading to 'Initialization', then 'Header phase init', and 'Header data append'. A decision 'Last block?' follows. If 'No', it loops back to 'Header data append'. If 'Yes', it checks 'All bytes valid?'. If 'No', it goes to 'Data padding' and then to a decision 'cipher-based* authentication?'. If 'Yes' to 'cipher-based*', it goes to 'Finalization'. If 'No', it goes to 'Payload phase init'. If 'Yes' to 'All bytes valid?', it goes directly to 'cipher-based* authentication?'. From 'cipher-based*', if 'Yes', it goes to 'Finalization'. If 'No', it goes to 'Payload phase init'. The 'Payload phase' consists of 'Payload phase init', 'Payload data append', 'Last block?' (looping to 'Payload data append' if 'No'), 'All bytes valid?' (if 'No', goes to 'Data padding' then 'Finalization'; if 'Yes', goes to 'Finalization'). 'Finalization' leads to 'End'. A note indicates '*' such as GMAC. The diagram is labeled MSV66121V1.

Section 36.4.11: SAES Galois/counter mode (GCM) and Section 36.4.13: SAES counter with CBC-MAC (CCM) describe detailed sequences supported by SAES.

Cipher-based message authentication flow omits the payload phase, as shown in the figure. Detailed sequence supported by SAES is described in Section 36.4.12: SAES Galois message authentication code (GMAC) .

36.4.7 SAES ciphertext stealing and data padding

When using SAES in ECB or CBC modes to manage messages the size of which is not a multiple of the block size (16 bytes), the application must use ciphertext stealing techniques such as those described in NIST Special Publication 800-38A, Recommendation for Block

Cipher Modes of Operation: Three Variants of Ciphertext Stealing for CBC Mode. Since SAES does not implement such techniques, the application must complete the last block of input data using data from the second last block .

Note: Ciphertext stealing techniques are not documented in this reference manual.

Similarly, in modes other than ECB or CBC, an incomplete input data block (that is, a block with input data shorter than 16 bytes) must be padded with zeros prior to encryption. That is, extra bits must be appended to the trailing end of the data string. After decryption, the extra bits must be discarded. Since SAES does not implement automatic data padding operation to the last block , the application must follow the recommendation given in this document to manage messages the size of which is not a multiple of 16 bytes.

36.4.8 SAES suspend and resume operations

A message can be suspended to process another message with a higher priority. When the higher-priority message is sent, the suspended message can resume. This applies to both encryption and decryption mode.

Suspend and resume operations do not break the chaining operation. The message processing can resume as soon as SAES is enabled again, to receive a next data block.

Figure 355 gives an example of suspend and resume operations: Message 1 is suspended in order to send a shorter and higher-priority Message 2.

Figure 355. Example of suspend mode management

Diagram illustrating suspend and resume operations for Message 1 and Message 2.

The diagram illustrates the flow of data blocks for two messages, Message 1 and Message 2, during suspend and resume operations. Message 1 consists of 128-bit blocks 1 through 6, followed by an ellipsis. Message 2 consists of 128-bit blocks 1 and 2. A callout bubble indicates that Message 2 is a 'New higher-priority message 2 to be processed'. The flow shows Message 1 blocks 1, 2, and 3 being processed. After block 3, an 'AES suspend sequence' is initiated, which suspends Message 1 and allows Message 2 to be processed. Message 2 blocks 1 and 2 are then processed. After Message 2, an 'AES resume sequence' is initiated, which resumes Message 1 processing from block 4. Message 1 blocks 4, 5, and 6 are then processed, followed by an ellipsis. The diagram is labeled MSv42148V1 in the bottom right corner.

Diagram illustrating suspend and resume operations for Message 1 and Message 2.

A detailed description of suspend and resume operations is in the sections dedicated to each chaining mode.

36.4.9 SAES basic chaining modes (ECB, CBC)

ECB is the simplest mode of operation. There are no chaining operations, and no special initialization stage. The message is divided into blocks and each block is encrypted or decrypted separately. When decrypting in ECB, a special key scheduling is required before processing the first block.

Figure 356 and Figure 357 describe the electronic codebook (ECB) chaining implementation in encryption and in decryption, respectively. To select ECB chaining mode, write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x0.

Figure 356. ECB encryption

Diagram of ECB encryption showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Each block consists of a Swap management block, an Encrypt block, and another Swap management block. Inputs are DIN (plaintext P1, P2), KEY, and DATATYPE[1:0]. Outputs are DOUT (ciphertext C1, C2). A legend indicates input is white and output is grey.

The diagram illustrates the ECB encryption process for two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Each block follows a similar internal structure: a 16-bit DIN (plaintext P1 or P2) is input to a 'Swap management' block, which also receives 'DATATYPE[1:0]'. The output of this block, labeled I1 or I2, is then input to an 'Encrypt' block along with a 'KEY'. The output of the 'Encrypt' block, labeled O1 or O2, is input to a second 'Swap management' block, which again receives 'DATATYPE[1:0]'. The final output of each block is DOUT (ciphertext C1 or C2). A legend on the left indicates that white boxes represent 'input' and grey boxes represent 'output'.

Diagram of ECB encryption showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Each block consists of a Swap management block, an Encrypt block, and another Swap management block. Inputs are DIN (plaintext P1, P2), KEY, and DATATYPE[1:0]. Outputs are DOUT (ciphertext C1, C2). A legend indicates input is white and output is grey.

Figure 357. ECB decryption

Diagram of ECB decryption showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Each block consists of a Swap management block, a Decrypt block, and another Swap management block. Inputs are DIN (ciphertext C1, C2), KEY, and DATATYPE[1:0]. Outputs are DOUT (plaintext P1, P2). A legend indicates input is white and output is grey.

The diagram illustrates the ECB decryption process for two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Each block follows a similar internal structure: a 16-bit DIN (ciphertext C1 or C2) is input to a 'Swap management' block, which also receives 'DATATYPE[1:0]'. The output of this block, labeled I1 or I2, is then input to a 'Decrypt' block along with a 'KEY'. The output of the 'Decrypt' block, labeled O1 or O2, is input to a second 'Swap management' block, which again receives 'DATATYPE[1:0]'. The final output of each block is DOUT (plaintext P1 or P2). A legend on the left indicates that white boxes represent 'input' and grey boxes represent 'output'.

Diagram of ECB decryption showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Each block consists of a Swap management block, a Decrypt block, and another Swap management block. Inputs are DIN (ciphertext C1, C2), KEY, and DATATYPE[1:0]. Outputs are DOUT (plaintext P1, P2). A legend indicates input is white and output is grey.

In CBC encryption mode the output of each block chains with the input of the following block. To make each message unique, an initialization vector is used during the first block processing. When decrypting in CBC, a special key scheduling is required before processing the first block.

Figure 358 and Figure 359 describe the cipher block chaining (CBC) implementation in encryption and in decryption, respectively. To select this chaining mode, write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x1.

Figure 358. CBC encryption

Diagram of CBC encryption showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Block 1 takes DIN (plaintext P1) through a Swap management block to produce P1'. P1' is XORed with IVI to produce I1, which is then encrypted with KEY to produce O1. O1 is passed through another Swap management block to produce DOUT (ciphertext C1). Block 2 takes DIN (plaintext P2) through a Swap management block to produce P2'. P2' is XORed with the previous ciphertext O1 to produce I2, which is then encrypted with KEY to produce O2. O2 is passed through another Swap management block to produce DOUT (ciphertext C2). A legend indicates that white boxes are input, grey boxes are output, and a circle with a cross is XOR.

Figure 358. CBC encryption

The diagram illustrates the CBC encryption process for two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2.

Legend

Diagram of CBC encryption showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Block 1 takes DIN (plaintext P1) through a Swap management block to produce P1'. P1' is XORed with IVI to produce I1, which is then encrypted with KEY to produce O1. O1 is passed through another Swap management block to produce DOUT (ciphertext C1). Block 2 takes DIN (plaintext P2) through a Swap management block to produce P2'. P2' is XORed with the previous ciphertext O1 to produce I2, which is then encrypted with KEY to produce O2. O2 is passed through another Swap management block to produce DOUT (ciphertext C2). A legend indicates that white boxes are input, grey boxes are output, and a circle with a cross is XOR.

Figure 359. CBC decryption

Diagram of CBC decryption showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Block 1 takes DIN (ciphertext C1) through a Swap management block to produce I1. I1 is decrypted with KEY to produce O1. O1 is XORed with IVI to produce P1'. P1' is passed through another Swap management block to produce DOUT (plaintext P1). Block 2 takes DIN (ciphertext C2) through a Swap management block to produce I2. I2 is decrypted with KEY to produce O2. O2 is XORed with the previous plaintext P1' to produce P2'. P2' is passed through another Swap management block to produce DOUT (plaintext P2). A legend indicates that white boxes are input, grey boxes are output, and a circle with a cross is XOR.

Figure 359. CBC decryption

The diagram illustrates the CBC decryption process for two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2.

Legend

Diagram of CBC decryption showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Block 1 takes DIN (ciphertext C1) through a Swap management block to produce I1. I1 is decrypted with KEY to produce O1. O1 is XORed with IVI to produce P1'. P1' is passed through another Swap management block to produce DOUT (plaintext P1). Block 2 takes DIN (ciphertext C2) through a Swap management block to produce I2. I2 is decrypted with KEY to produce O2. O2 is XORed with the previous plaintext P1' to produce P2'. P2' is passed through another Swap management block to produce DOUT (plaintext P2). A legend indicates that white boxes are input, grey boxes are output, and a circle with a cross is XOR.

For more details, refer to NIST Special Publication 800-38A, Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation .

ECB and CBC encryption process

This process is described in Section 36.4.5 , with the following sequence of events:

  1. 1. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  2. 2. Wait until BUSY is cleared (no RNG random number fetch in progress).
  3. 3. Initialize the SAES_CR register as follows:
    • – Select ECB or CBC chaining mode (write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x0 or 0x1) in encryption mode (write MODE[1:0] with 0x0).
    • – Configure the data type, through DATATYPE[1:0].
    • – Configure the key size, through KEYSIZE.
    • – Select normal key mode by writing KMOD[1:0] with 0x0. For the other KMOD[1:0] values, refer to Section 36.4.14 (wrapped keys) and Section 36.4.15 (shared keys).
  4. 4. Write the initialization vector into the SAES_IVRx registers if CBC mode is selected in the previous step.
  5. 5. Write the key into the SAES_KEYRx registers. Alternatively, select a key source different from the key registers by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with a value different from 0x0. Refer to Section 36.4.17: SAES key registers for details.
  6. 6. Wait until KEYVALID is set (the key loading completed).
  7. 7. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  8. 8. Append cleartext data:
    1. a) If it is the second-last or the last block and the plaintext size of the message is not a multiple of 16 bytes, follow the guidance in Section 36.4.7 .
    2. b) Append the cleartext block into SAES as described in Section 36.4.5 , then read the SAES_DOUTR register four times to save the ciphertext block.
    3. c) Repeat the step b) until the third-last plaintext block is encrypted. For the last two blocks, follow the steps a) and b) .
  9. 9. Finalize the sequence: disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.

ECB/CBC decryption process

This process is described in Section 36.4.5 , with the following sequence of events:

  1. 1. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  2. 2. Wait until BUSY is cleared (no RNG random number fetch in progress).
  3. 3. Initialize the SAES_CR register as follows:
    • – Select the key derivation mode (write MODE[1:0] with 0x1). The CHMOD[2:0] bitfield is not significant during this operation.
    • – Configure the data type, through DATATYPE[1:0].
    • – Configure the key size, through KEYSIZE.
    • – Select normal key mode by writing KMOD[1:0] with 0x0. For the other KMOD[1:0] values, refer to Section 36.4.14 (wrapped keys) and Section 36.4.15 (shared keys).
  4. 4. Write the key into the SAES_KEYRx registers. Alternatively, select a key source different from the key registers by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with a value different from 0x0. Refer to Section 36.4.17: SAES key registers for details.
  5. 5. Wait until KEYVALID is set (the key loading completed).
  1. 6. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN. The peripheral immediately starts an AES round for key preparation.
  2. 7. Wait until the CCF flag in the SAES_ISR register is set.
  3. 8. Clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register. The decryption key is available in the AES core and SAES is disabled automatically.
  4. 9. Select ECB or CBC chaining mode (write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x0 or 0x1) in decryption mode (write MODE[1:0] with 0x2). Do not change other parameters.
  5. 10. Write the initialization vector into the SAES_IVRx registers if CBC mode is selected in the previous step.
  6. 11. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  7. 12. Append encrypted data:
    1. a) If it is the second-last or the last block and the ciphertext size of the message is not a multiple of 16 bytes, follow the guidance in Section 36.4.7 .
    2. b) Append the ciphertext block into SAES as described in Section 36.4.5 , then read the SAES_DOUTR register four times to save the plaintext block (MSB first).
    3. c) Repeat the step b ) until the third-last ciphertext block is decrypted. For the last two blocks, follow the steps a ) and b ).
  8. 13. Finalize the sequence: disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.

Suspend/resume operations in ECB/CBC modes

The following sequences are valid for normal key mode (KMOD[1:0] at 0x0).

To suspend the processing of a message , proceed as follows:

  1. 1. If DMA is used, stop the SAES DMA transfers to the input FIFO, by clearing DMAINEN. If DMA is not used, wait until the CCF flag in the SAES_ISR register is set (computation completed).
  2. 2. If DMA is not used, read four times the SAES_DOUTR register to save the last processed block. If DMA is used, wait until the CCF flag is set in the SAES_ISR register then stop the DMA transfers from the output FIFO, by clearing DMAOUTEN.
  3. 3. Clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register.
  4. 4. Save initialization vector registers (only required in CBC mode as the SAES_IVRx registers are altered during the data processing).
  5. 5. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  6. 6. Save the SAES_CR register and clear the key registers if they are not needed, to process the higher-priority message.
  7. 7. If DMA is used, save the DMA controller status (pointers for SAES input and output data transfers, number of remaining bytes, and so on).

To resume the processing of a message , proceed as follows:

  1. 1. If DMA is used, configure the DMA controller so as to complete the remaining input FIFO and output FIFO transfers.
  2. 2. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  3. 3. Restore the SAES_CR register (with correct KEYSIZE) then restore the SAES_KEYRx registers. For KEYSEL[2:0] selecting a key source different from key registers, refer to Section 36.4.17: SAES key registers for details.
  4. 4. Prepare the decryption key, as described in ECB/CBC decryption process (only required for ECB or CBC decryption).
  1. 5. Restore the SAES_IVRx registers, using the saved configuration (only required in CBC mode).
  2. 6. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  3. 7. If DMA is used, enable SAES DMA transfers, by setting DMAINEN and DMAOUTEN.

Note: It is not required to save the key registers as the application knows the original key.

36.4.10 SAES counter (CTR) mode

The CTR mode uses the AES core to generate a key stream. The keys are then XOR-ed with the plaintext to obtain the ciphertext. Unlike with ECB and CBC modes, no key scheduling is required for the CTR decryption since the AES core is always used in encryption mode.

A typical message construction in CTR mode is given in Figure 360 .

Figure 360. Message construction in CTR mode

Diagram illustrating message construction in CTR mode. It shows the structure of the Initial Counter Block (ICB) and the resulting ciphertext (C) from plaintext (P).

The diagram illustrates the message construction in CTR mode. At the top, a horizontal bar represents the message structure. It starts with a 16-byte Initial Counter Block (ICB), followed by Ciphertext (C), and ends with Zero padding (indicated by '0'). Vertical dashed lines mark 16-byte boundaries. Below the ICB, a callout shows its internal structure: a 4-byte Initialization vector (IV) and a 4-byte Counter, with 4-byte boundaries marked. Below the Ciphertext (C), a vertical arrow labeled 'decrypt' points to a block of Plaintext (P). The diagram is labeled with 'MSV42156V1' in the bottom right corner.

Diagram illustrating message construction in CTR mode. It shows the structure of the Initial Counter Block (ICB) and the resulting ciphertext (C) from plaintext (P).

The structure of this message is:

For more details, refer to NIST Special Publication 800-38A, Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation .

CTR encryption and decryption

Figure 361 describes the counter (CTR) chaining implementation in the SAES peripheral (encryption). To select this chaining mode, write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x2.

Figure 361. CTR encryption

Diagram of CTR encryption process showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Each block consists of an IV/Nonce + 32-bit counter, an Encrypt block, a Swap management block, and an XOR block. The process starts with a KEY and DIN (plaintext P1) for Block 1. The counter is initialized with IVI and incremented by 1 for Block 2. The output of the Encrypt block is XORed with the DIN to produce the ciphertext (C1, C2).

The diagram illustrates the CTR encryption process across two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2.
Block 1: An initialization vector (IVI) and a 32-bit counter are input to an 'Encrypt' block along with a 'KEY'. The 'Encrypt' block produces an output 'O1'. Simultaneously, 'DIN (plaintext P1)' is input to a 'Swap management' block, which outputs 'P1\''. 'P1\'' is XORed with 'O1' to produce 'C1\''. 'C1\'' is then processed by another 'Swap management' block (controlled by 'DATATYPE[1:0]') to produce the final 'DOUT (ciphertext C1)'.
Block 2: The counter from Block 1 is incremented by 1 ('Counter increment (+1)') and passed to Block 2 as 'Nonce + 32-bit counter (+1)'. This counter and the 'KEY' are input to Block 2's 'Encrypt' block, which produces 'O2'. 'DIN (plaintext P2)' is processed by a 'Swap management' block to produce 'P2\''. 'P2\'' is XORed with 'O2' to produce 'C2\'', which is then processed by another 'Swap management' block to produce 'DOUT (ciphertext C2)'.
Legend: Input is represented by a light gray rectangle, output by a dark gray rectangle, and XOR by a circle with a cross. The identifier 'MSV69567V1' is present in the bottom right corner.

Diagram of CTR encryption process showing two blocks, Block 1 and Block 2. Each block consists of an IV/Nonce + 32-bit counter, an Encrypt block, a Swap management block, and an XOR block. The process starts with a KEY and DIN (plaintext P1) for Block 1. The counter is initialized with IVI and incremented by 1 for Block 2. The output of the Encrypt block is XORed with the DIN to produce the ciphertext (C1, C2).

Initialization vectors in SAES must be initialized as shown in Table 327.

Table 327. Counter mode initialization vector definition

SAES_IVR3[31:0]SAES_IVR2[31:0]SAES_IVR1[31:0]SAES_IVR0[31:0]
IVI[127:96]IVI[95:64]IVI[63:32]IVI[31:0]
32-bit counter = 0x0001

CTR encryption and decryption process

This process is described in Section 36.4.5, with the following sequence of events:

  1. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  2. Wait until BUSY is cleared (no RNG random number fetch in progress).
  3. Initialize the SAES_CR register:
    • Select CTR chaining mode (write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x2) in encryption or decryption mode (write MODE[1:0] with 0x0 or 0x2).
    • Configure the data type, through DATATYPE[1:0].
    • Configure the key size, through KEYSIZE.
    • Select normal key mode, by writing KMOD[1:0] with 0x0. For the other KMOD[1:0] values, refer to Section 36.4.14 (wrapped keys) and Section 36.4.15 (shared keys).
  4. Write the initialization vector into the SAES_IVRx registers according to Table 327.
  5. Write the key into the SAES_KEYRx registers. Alternatively, select a key source different from the key registers by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with a value different from 0x0. Refer to Section 36.4.17: SAES key registers for details.
  6. Wait until KEYVALID is set (the key loading completed).
  7. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  1. 8. Append data:
    1. a) If it is the last block and the plaintext (encryption) or ciphertext (decryption) size in the block is less than 16 bytes, pad the remainder of the block with zeros.
    2. b) Append the data block into SAES as described in Section 36.4.5 , then read the SAES_DOUTR register four times to save the resulting block (MSB first).
    3. c) Repeat the step b) until the second-last block is processed. For the last block of plaintext (encryption only), follow the steps a) and b) . For the last block, discard the bits that are not part of the message when the last block is smaller than 16 bytes.
  2. 9. Finalize the sequence: disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.

Suspend/resume operations in CTR mode

Like for the CBC mode, it is possible to interrupt a message to send a higher-priority message, then resume the interrupted message. Detailed CBC suspend and resume sequence is described in Section 36.4.9: SAES basic chaining modes (ECB, CBC) .

Note: Like for CBC mode, the IV registers must be reloaded during the resume operation.

36.4.11 SAES Galois/counter mode (GCM)

The AES Galois/counter mode (GCM) allows encrypting and authenticating a plaintext message into the corresponding ciphertext and tag (also known as message authentication code).

GCM mode is based on AES in counter mode for confidentiality. It uses a multiplier over a fixed finite field for computing the message authentication code. The following figure shows a typical message construction in GCM mode.

Figure 362. Message construction in GCM

Diagram illustrating message construction in GCM mode. It shows the flow from Initialization vector (IV) and Counter through an ICB to Additional authenticated data (AAD) and Plaintext (P). The AAD and P are processed through an 'encrypt' block to produce Authenticated & encrypted ciphertext (C). The AAD and C are then processed through an 'authenticate' block to produce the Authentication tag (T). The diagram also shows 16-byte and 4-byte boundaries, zero padding, and length fields [Len(A)]64 and [Len(C)]64.

The diagram illustrates the message construction in GCM mode. It shows the following components and flow:

Diagram illustrating message construction in GCM mode. It shows the flow from Initialization vector (IV) and Counter through an ICB to Additional authenticated data (AAD) and Plaintext (P). The AAD and P are processed through an 'encrypt' block to produce Authenticated & encrypted ciphertext (C). The AAD and C are then processed through an 'authenticate' block to produce the Authentication tag (T). The diagram also shows 16-byte and 4-byte boundaries, zero padding, and length fields [Len(A)]64 and [Len(C)]64.

The message has the following structure:

The GCM standard specifies that ciphertext C has the same bit length as the plaintext P.

When a part of the message (AAD or P) has a length that is a non-multiple of 16-bytes a special padding scheme is required.

For more details, refer to NIST Special Publication 800-38D, Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation - Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) and GMAC .

Figure 363 describes the GCM chaining implementation in the SAES peripheral (encryption). To select this chaining mode, write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x3.

Figure 363. GCM authenticated encryption

Diagram of GCM authenticated encryption process showing Init, Header, Payload, and Final stages.

The diagram illustrates the GCM authenticated encryption process, divided into four main stages:

Legend:

MSv69568V1

Diagram of GCM authenticated encryption process showing Init, Header, Payload, and Final stages.

The first counter block (CB1) is derived from the initial counter block ICB by the application software, as defined in Table 328.

Table 328. Initialization of IV registers in GCM mode

SAES_IVR3[31:0]SAES_IVR2[31:0]SAES_IVR1[31:0]SAES_IVR0[31:0]
ICB[127:96]ICB[95:64]ICB[63:32]ICB[31:0]
32-bit counter = 0x0002

The last block of a GCM message contains the AAD header length and the payload length information, as shown in Table 329.

Table 329. GCM last block definition

Word order to SAES_DINRFirst wordSecond wordThird wordFourth word
Input dataAAD length[63:32]AAD length[31:0]Payload length[63:32]Payload length[31:0]

GCM encryption and decryption process

This process is described in Section 36.4.6 , with the following sequence of events:

GCM initialize

  1. 1. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  2. 2. Wait until BUSY is cleared (no RNG random number fetch in progress).
  3. 3. Initialize the SAES_CR register:
    • – Select GCM chaining mode (write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x3) in encryption or decryption mode (write MODE[1:0] with 0x0 or 0x2). Do not write MODE[1:0] with 0x1.
    • – Configure the data type, through DATATYPE[1:0]
    • – Configure the key size, through KEYSIZE.
    • – Select normal key mode, by writing KMOD[1:0] with 0x0. For the other KMOD[1:0] values, refer to Section 36.4.14 (wrapped keys) and Section 36.4.15 (shared keys).
    • – Select the GCM initialization phase, by writing GCMPH[1:0] with 0x0.
  4. 4. Write the initialization vector in SAES_IVRx registers according to Table 328 .
  5. 5. Write the key into the SAES_KEYRx registers. Alternatively, select a key source different from the key registers by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with a value different from 0x0. Refer to Section 36.4.17: SAES key registers for details.
  6. 6. Wait until KEYVALID is set (the key loading completed).
  7. 7. Set EN to start the calculation of the hash key. EN is automatically cleared when the calculation is completed.
  8. 8. Wait until the CCF flag is set in the SAES_ISR register, indicating that the GCM hash subkey (H) computation is completed.
  9. 9. Clear the CCF flag by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register.

GCM header phase

  1. 10. Initialize header phase:
    1. a) Select the GCM header phase, by writing 0x1 to GCMPH[1:0]. Do not change the other configurations written during GCM initialization.
    2. b) Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  2. 11. Append header data:
    1. a) If it is the last block and the AAD in the block is smaller than 16 bytes, pad the remainder of the block with zeros.
    2. b) Append the data block into SAES as described in Section 36.4.5 .
    3. c) Repeat the step b) until the second-last AAD data block is processed. For the last block, follow the steps a) and b) .

Note: This phase can be skipped if there is no AAD, that is, Len(A) = 0.
No data are read during header phase.

GCM payload phase

  1. 12. Initialize payload phase:
    1. a) Select the GCM payload phase, by writing GCMPH[1:0] with 0x2. Do not change the other configurations written during GCM initialization.
    2. b) If the header phase is skipped, enable the SAES peripheral by setting EN.
  1. 13. Append payload data:
    1. a) If it is the last block and the message in the block is smaller than 16 bytes, pad the remainder of the block with zeros.
    2. b) Append the data block into SAES as described in Section 36.4.5 , then read the SAES_DOUTR register four times to save the resulting block
    3. c) Repeat the step b) until the second-last plaintext block is encrypted or until the last block of ciphertext is decrypted. For the last block of plaintext (encryption only), follow the steps a) and b) . For the last block, discard the bits that are not part of the payload when the last block is smaller than 16 bytes.

Note: This phase can be skipped if there is no payload, that is, Len(C)=0 (see GMAC mode).

GCM finalization

  1. 14. Encryption only: wait until the BUSY flag in the SAES_SR register is cleared.
  2. 15. Select the GCM final phase, by writing GCMPH[1:0] with 0x3. Do not change the other configurations written during GCM initialization.
  3. 16. Write the final GCM block into the SAES_DINR register. It is the concatenated AAD bit and payload bit lengths, as shown in Table 329 .
  4. 17. Wait until the CCF flag in the SAES_ISR register is set.
  5. 18. Get the GCM authentication tag, by reading the SAES_DOUTR register four times.
  6. 19. Clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register.
  7. 20. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN. If it is an authenticated decryption, compare the generated tag with the expected tag passed with the message.

Note: In the final phase, data are written to SAES_DINR normally (no swapping), while swapping is applied to tag data read from SAES_DOUTR.

When transiting from the header or the payload phase to the final phase, the SAES peripheral must not be disabled, otherwise the result is wrong.

Suspend/resume operations in GCM mode

Suspend/resume operations are not supported in GCM mode.

36.4.12 SAES Galois message authentication code (GMAC)

The Galois message authentication code (GMAC) allows the authentication of a plaintext, generating the corresponding tag information (also known as message authentication code).

GMAC is similar to GCM, except that it is applied on a message composed only by plaintext authenticated data (that is, only header, no payload). The following figure shows typical message construction for GMAC.

Figure 364. Message construction in GMAC mode

Figure 364: Message construction in GMAC mode. The diagram shows a message structure with 16-byte boundaries. It starts with an ICB (Initialization Counter Block), followed by 'Authenticated data' of length Len(A). The last block is split into two 8-byte parts: [Len(A)]64 and [0]64. Below the ICB, a 4-byte boundary separates the 'Initialization vector (IV)' and 'Counter'. An arrow labeled 'auth.' points from the 'Authenticated data' to an 'Authentication tag (T)'. A legend indicates that grey boxes represent 'Zero padding'.
Figure 364: Message construction in GMAC mode. The diagram shows a message structure with 16-byte boundaries. It starts with an ICB (Initialization Counter Block), followed by 'Authenticated data' of length Len(A). The last block is split into two 8-byte parts: [Len(A)]64 and [0]64. Below the ICB, a 4-byte boundary separates the 'Initialization vector (IV)' and 'Counter'. An arrow labeled 'auth.' points from the 'Authenticated data' to an 'Authentication tag (T)'. A legend indicates that grey boxes represent 'Zero padding'.

For more details, refer to NIST Special Publication 800-38D, Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation - Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) and GMAC .

Figure 365 describes the GMAC chaining implementation in the SAES peripheral. To select this chaining mode, write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x3.

Figure 365. GMAC authentication mode

Figure 365: GMAC authentication mode. This diagram illustrates the four-step process: (1) Init, (2) Header, (3) Payload (omitted), and (4) Final. (1) Init: A KEY is input to an 'Encrypt' block along with [0]128 to produce H. (2) Header: Message blocks (DIN) are processed through 'Swap management' (controlled by DATATYPE [1:0]) and then 'GF2mul' with H. The outputs are XORed. (4) Final: The KEY is input to 'Encrypt' with IVI + 32-bit counter (= 0x0) to produce S. The final input is len(A)64 || [0]64, which is XORed and then processed by 'GF2mul' with H to produce the final output DOUT (authentication tag T). A legend defines input (white), output (grey), and XOR (circle with cross).
Figure 365: GMAC authentication mode. This diagram illustrates the four-step process: (1) Init, (2) Header, (3) Payload (omitted), and (4) Final. (1) Init: A KEY is input to an 'Encrypt' block along with [0]128 to produce H. (2) Header: Message blocks (DIN) are processed through 'Swap management' (controlled by DATATYPE [1:0]) and then 'GF2mul' with H. The outputs are XORed. (4) Final: The KEY is input to 'Encrypt' with IVI + 32-bit counter (= 0x0) to produce S. The final input is len(A)64 || [0]64, which is XORed and then processed by 'GF2mul' with H to produce the final output DOUT (authentication tag T). A legend defines input (white), output (grey), and XOR (circle with cross).

The GMAC algorithm corresponds to the GCM algorithm applied on a message that only contains a header. As a consequence, all steps and settings are the same as with the GCM, except that the payload phase is omitted.

Suspend/resume operations in GMAC

Suspend/resume operations are not supported in GMAC mode.

36.4.13 SAES counter with CBC-MAC (CCM)

The AES counter with cipher block chaining-message authentication code (CCM) algorithm allows encryption and authentication of plaintext, generating the corresponding ciphertext and tag (also known as message authentication code). To ensure confidentiality, the CCM algorithm is based on AES counter mode processing. It uses cipher block chaining technique to generate the message authentication code. This is commonly called CBC-MAC.

Note: NIST does not approve CBC-MAC as an authentication mode outside the context of the CCM specification.

The following figure shows typical message construction for CCM.

Diagram showing the construction of a CCM message. It starts with a 16-byte block B0 containing flags, a Nonce (N), and a value Q. This is followed by Associated Data (A) of length Len(A), which may include zero padding to reach a 16-byte boundary. Then comes Plaintext (P) of length Len(P), also potentially followed by zero padding. The diagram shows that B0, A, and P are 'authenticated' to produce a MAC (T). The Plaintext (P) is 'encrypted' to produce Ciphertext (C). The final message consists of the encrypted ciphertext and the tag. A 'Decrypt and compare' path is shown for verification.

Figure 366. Message construction in CCM mode

Diagram showing the construction of a CCM message. It starts with a 16-byte block B0 containing flags, a Nonce (N), and a value Q. This is followed by Associated Data (A) of length Len(A), which may include zero padding to reach a 16-byte boundary. Then comes Plaintext (P) of length Len(P), also potentially followed by zero padding. The diagram shows that B0, A, and P are 'authenticated' to produce a MAC (T). The Plaintext (P) is 'encrypted' to produce Ciphertext (C). The final message consists of the encrypted ciphertext and the tag. A 'Decrypt and compare' path is shown for verification.

The structure of the message is:

When a part of the message (A or P) has a length that is a non-multiple of 16-bytes, a special padding scheme is required.

Note: CCM chaining mode can also be used with associated data only (that is, no payload).

As an example, the C.1 section in NIST Special Publication 800-38C gives the following values (hexadecimal numbers):

N: 10111213 141516 (Len(N) = 56 bits or 7 bytes)
A: 00010203 04050607 (Len(A) = 64 bits or 8 bytes)
P: 20212223 (Len(P) = 32 bits or 4 bytes)
T: 6084341B (Len(T) = 32 bits or t = 4)
B0: 4F101112 13141516 00000000 00000004
B1: 00080001 02030405 06070000 00000000
B2: 20212223 00000000 00000000 00000000
CTR0: 0710111213 141516 00000000 00000000
CTR1: 0710111213 141516 00000000 00000001

For more details, refer to NIST Special Publication 800-38C, Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation - The CCM Mode for Authentication and Confidentiality .

Figure 367 describes the CCM chaining implementation in the SAES peripheral (encryption). To select this chaining mode, write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x4.

Figure 367. CCM mode authenticated encryption

Diagram of CCM mode authenticated encryption showing Init, Header, Payload, and Final stages.

The diagram illustrates the CCM chaining implementation for encryption, divided into four main stages:

Legend:

MSv69570V1

Diagram of CCM mode authenticated encryption showing Init, Header, Payload, and Final stages.

The first block of a CCM message (B0) must be prepared by the application as defined in Table 330.

Table 330. Initialization of IV registers in CCM mode

SAES_IVR3[31:0]SAES_IVR2[31:0]SAES_IVR1[31:0]SAES_IVR0[31:0]
B0[127:96] (1)B0[95:64]B0[63:32]B0[31:0] (2)
  1. 1. The five most significant bits are cleared (flag bits).
  2. 2. Q length bits are cleared, except for the bit 0 that is set.

SAES supports counters up to 64 bits, as specified by NIST.

CCM encryption and decryption process

This process is described in Section 36.4.6 , with the following sequence of events:

CCM initialize

  1. 1. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  2. 2. Wait until BUSY is cleared (no RNG random number fetch in progress).
  3. 3. Initialize the SAES_CR register:
    • – Select CCM chaining mode (write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x4) in encryption or decryption mode (write MODE[1:0] with 0x0 or 0x2). Do not write MODE[1:0] with 0x1.
    • – Configure the data type, through DATATYPE[1:0]
    • – Configure the key size, through KEYSIZE.
    • – Select normal key mode, by writing KMOD[1:0] with 0x0. For the other KMOD[1:0] values, refer to Section 36.4.14 (wrapped keys) and Section 36.4.15 (shared keys).
    • – Select the CCM initialization phase, by writing GCMPH[1:0] with 0x0.
  4. 4. Write the B0 data in SAES_IVRx registers according to Table 330 .
  5. 5. Write the key into the SAES_KEYRx registers. Alternatively, select a key source different from the key registers by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with a value different from 0x0. Refer to Section 36.4.17: SAES key registers for details.
  6. 6. Wait until KEYVALID is set (the key loading completed).
  7. 7. Set EN to start the first mask calculation. The EN bit is automatically cleared when the calculation is completed.
  8. 8. Wait until the CCF flag in the SAES_ISR register is set.
  9. 9. Clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register.

CCM header phase

  1. 10. Initialize header phase:
    1. a) Prepare the first block of the (B1) data associated with the message, in accordance with CCM chaining rules.
    2. b) Select the CCM header phase, by writing GCMPH[1:0] with 0x1. Do not change the other configurations written during the CCM initialization.
    3. c) Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  2. 11. Append header data:
    1. a) If it is the last block and the associated data in the block is smaller than 16 bytes, pad the remainder of the block with zeros.
    2. b) Append the data block into SAES as described in Section 36.4.5 .
    3. c) Repeat the step b) until the second-last associated data block is processed. For the last block, follow the steps a) and b) .

Note: This phase can be skipped if there is no associated data, that is, Len(A) = 0
No data are read during the header phase.

CCM payload phase

  1. 12. Initialize payload phase:
    1. a) Select the CCM payload phase, by writing GCM[1:0] with 0x2. Do not change the other configurations written during the CCM initialization.
    2. b) If the header phase is skipped, enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  2. 13. Append payload data:
    1. a) In encryption only, if it is the last block and the plaintext in the block is smaller than 16 bytes, pad the remainder of the block with zeros.
    2. b) Append the data block into SAES as described in Section 36.4.5 , then read the SAES_DOUTR register four times to save the resulting block.
    3. c) Repeat the step b) until the second-last plaintext block is encrypted or until the last block of ciphertext is decrypted. For the last block of plaintext (encryption only), follow the steps a) and b) . For the last block, discard the bits that are not part of the payload when the last block is smaller than 16 bytes.

Note: This phase can be skipped if there is no payload, that is, \( Len(P) = 0 \) or \( Len(C) = Len(T) \) . Remove \( LSB_{Len(T)}(C) \) encrypted tag information when decrypting ciphertext C.

CCM finalization

  1. 14. Select the CCM final phase, by writing GCM[1:0] with 0x3. Do not change the other configurations written during the CCM initialization.
  2. 15. Wait until CCF flag in the SAES_ISR register is set.
  3. 16. Get the CCM authentication tag, by reading the SAES_DOUTR register four times.
  4. 17. Clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register.
  5. 18. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN. If it is an authenticated decryption, compare the generated tag with the expected tag passed with the message. Mask the authentication tag output with tag length to obtain a valid tag.

Note: In the final phase, swapping is applied to tag data read from SAES_DOUTR register. When transiting from the header or the payload phase to the final phase, the SAES peripheral must not be disabled, otherwise the result is wrong.

Suspend and resume operations in CCM mode

To suspend the processing of a message in header or payload phase, proceed as follows:

  1. 1. If DMA is used, stop the SAES DMA transfers to the input FIFO, by clearing DMAINEN. If DMA is not used, wait until the CCF flag of the SAES_ISR register is set (computation completed).
  2. 2. In the payload phase, if DMA is not used, read four times the SAES_DOUTR register to save the last-processed block. If DMA is used, wait until the CCF flag in the SAES_ISR register is set, then stop the DMA transfers from the output FIFO, by clearing DMAOUTEN.
  3. 3. Clear the CCF flag in the SAES_ISR register, by setting the CCF bit of the SAES_ICR register.
  4. 4. Save the SAES_SUSPRx registers in the memory.
  5. 5. Save the IV registers as they are altered during the data processing.
  6. 6. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  1. 7. Save the current SAES_CR configuration in the memory. Key registers do not need to be saved as the original key value is known by the application.
  2. 8. If DMA is used, save the DMA controller status (pointer for SAES input data transfers, number of remaining bytes, and so on). In the payload phase, also save pointer for SAES output data transfers.

To resume the processing of a message, proceed as follows:

  1. 1. If DMA is used, configure the DMA controller in order to complete the remaining input FIFO transfers. In the payload phase, also configure the DMA controller for the remaining output FIFO transfers.
  2. 2. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  3. 3. Write the suspend register values, previously saved in the memory, back into their corresponding SAES_SUSPRx registers.
  4. 4. Restore SAES_IVRx registers using the saved configuration.
  5. 5. Restore the initial setting values in the SAES_CR and SAES_KEYRx registers. For KEYSEL[2:0] selecting a key source different from the key registers, refer to Section 36.4.17: SAES key registers for details.
  6. 6. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  7. 7. If DMA is used, enable SAES DMA requests, by setting DMAINEN (and DMAOUTEN if in payload phase).

36.4.14 SAES operation with wrapped keys

SAES peripheral can wrap (encrypt) and unwrap (decrypt) application keys using hardware-secret key DHUK, XOR-ed or not with application key BHK or AHK. With this feature, AES keys can be made usable by application software without being exposed in clear-text (unencrypted).

Wrapped key sequences are too small to be suspended/resumed. SAES cannot unwrap a key using an unwrapped key.

Operation with wrapped keys for SAES in ECB and CBC modes

Figure 368 summarizes how to wrap or unwrap keys for SAES in ECB and CBC modes. To protect the wrapped key, select DHUK by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x1, 0x5, or 0x4. Alternatively, select BHK by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x2 if the corresponding registers are read/write-locked in the TAMP peripheral. AHK can also be selected, by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x3.

Figure 368. Operation with wrapped keys for SAES in ECB and CBC modes

Diagram illustrating the operation with wrapped keys for SAES in ECB and CBC modes. It is divided into two columns: 'Wrapped-key mode (KMOD = 01)' and 'Normal-key mode (KMOD = 00)'. The wrapped-key mode shows two steps: 'Step 1: provision' where a clear-text key (DIN) is encrypted by SAES enc to produce a wrapped (encrypted) key (DOUT), and 'Step 2: load' where the wrapped key is decrypted by SAES dec to produce an unwrapped (decrypted) key. The normal-key mode shows 'Step 3: use' where an unwrapped key is used by SAES enc/dec. Pink text indicates hardware secrets (DHUK, BHK, unwrapped key) not readable by the application. Register settings for KEYSEL and MODE are provided for each step.

Wrapped-key mode (KMOD = 01)

Step 1: provision

DIN clear-text key → SAES enc → DOUT wrapped (encrypted) key

Inputs: DHUK, BHK ⊕ DHUK, IV (if applicable)

KEYSEL = 001 or 100
MODE = 00 (encryption)

Step 2: load

DIN wrapped key → SAES dec → unwrapped (decrypted) key

Inputs: DHUK, BHK ⊕ DHUK, IV (if applicable)

KEYSEL = 001 or 100
MODE = 10 (decryption)

Normal-key mode (KMOD = 00)

Step 3: use

DIN unwrapped key → SAES enc/dec → DOUT

KEYSEL = 00 (to keep the wrapped key)
MODE = any value

Pink: hardware secret (not readable by application)

Diagram illustrating the operation with wrapped keys for SAES in ECB and CBC modes. It is divided into two columns: 'Wrapped-key mode (KMOD = 01)' and 'Normal-key mode (KMOD = 00)'. The wrapped-key mode shows two steps: 'Step 1: provision' where a clear-text key (DIN) is encrypted by SAES enc to produce a wrapped (encrypted) key (DOUT), and 'Step 2: load' where the wrapped key is decrypted by SAES dec to produce an unwrapped (decrypted) key. The normal-key mode shows 'Step 3: use' where an unwrapped key is used by SAES enc/dec. Pink text indicates hardware secrets (DHUK, BHK, unwrapped key) not readable by the application. Register settings for KEYSEL and MODE are provided for each step.

Note: DHUK value depends on privilege, KMOD[1:0], KEYSEL[2:0], CHMOD[2:0], and KEYSIZE.

Key wrapping for SAES

The recommended sequence to wrap (that is, encrypt) a key is as follows:

  1. 1. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  2. 2. Wait until BUSY is cleared (no RNG random number fetch in progress).
  3. 3. Initialize the SAES_CR register as follow:
    • – Select ECB or CBC chaining mode (write CHMOD[2:0] with 0x0 or 0x1) in encryption mode (MODE[1:0] at 0x0)
    • – Select 32-bit data type (DATATYPE[1:0] at 0x0)
    • – Configure the key size with KEYSIZE. This information is used both for the encryption key and for the key to be encrypt.
    • – Select wrapped key mode by writing KMOD[1:0] with 0x1
  4. 4. Write the initialization vector in SAES_IVRx registers if CBC mode has been selected in previous step.
  5. 5. Select the DHUK key source by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x1, 0x5 or 0x4. Optionally, select the BHK, by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x2. Refer to Section 36.4.17 for details on the use of KEYSEL[2:0].
  6. 6. Wait until KEYVALID is set (DHUK loading completed).
  7. 7. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  8. 8. Write the SAES_DINR register four times to input the key to encrypt (MSB first, see Table 332 ).
  9. 9. Wait until CCF flag is set in the SAES_ISR register.
  10. 10. Get the encrypted key (MSB first) by reading the SAES_DOUTR register four times. Then clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit in SAES_ICR register.
  11. 11. Repeat steps 8. to 10. if KEYSIZE is set.
  12. 12. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.

Note: Encryption in Wrapped-key mode is only supported when ECB or CBC is selected.

Key unwrapping for SAES

The recommended sequence to unwrap (or decrypt) a wrapped (encrypted) key using ECB/CBC is as follows:

  1. 1. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  2. 2. Wait until BUSY is cleared (no RNG random number fetch in progress).
  3. 3. Initialize the SAES_CR register as follow:
    • – Select the chaining mode used during the wrapping process (CHMOD[2:0] at 0x0 or 0x1) in key derivation mode (MODE[1:0] at 0x1)
    • – Select 32-bit data type (DATATYPE[1:0] at 0x0)
    • – Configure the key size used during the wrapping process, with KEYSIZE. This information is used both for the decryption key and for the key to decrypt.
    • – Select wrapped key mode, by writing KMOD[1:0] with 0x1.
  4. 4. With KEYSEL[2:0], select the same key source as when the key was wrapped/encrypted.
  5. 5. Wait until KEYVALID is set (the key loading completed).
  6. 6. Set EN bit in SAES_CR to enable the peripheral
  7. 7. Wait until CCF flag is set in the SAES_ISR register.
  8. 8. Clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit in SAES_ICR register. The decryption key is available in the AES core, and SAES is disabled automatically.
  9. 9. Select the decryption mode (MODE[1:0] at 0x2). Other parameters are unchanged.
  10. 10. Write the initialization vector in SAES_IVRx registers if CBC mode has been selected in previous step.
  11. 11. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  12. 12. Write the SAES_DINR register four times to input the key to decrypt (MSB first, see Table 332 ).
  13. 13. Wait until CCF flag is set in the SAES_ISR register. Then clear the CCF flag by setting the CCF bit in SAES_ICR register. Reading SAES_DOUTR returns zero and triggers a read error (RDERRF).
  14. 14. Repeat steps 12. and 13. if KEYSIZE is set.
  15. 15. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.

At the end of this sequence, the decrypted wrapped key is immediately usable by the application for any AES operation (normal key mode, that is, with KMOD[1:0] = 0x0).

Note: When KMOD[1:0] = 0x1 (wrapped key) and MODE[1:0] = 0x2 (decryption) a read access to SAES_DOUTR register triggers a read error (RDERRF).

When KEYSEL[2:0] is at 0x1 (DHUK), 0x5 (DHUK XOR AHK), or 0x4 (DHUK XOR BHK), the application software must use the same privilege, KMOD[1:0], CHMOD[2:0] and KEYSIZE context for encryption and decryption. Otherwise, the result is incorrect.

Operation with wrapped keys for SAES in CTR mode

Figure 369 summarizes how to unwrap keys for SAES in CTR mode. To protect the derived key, select DHUK by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x1, 0x5 or 0x4. Alternatively, select BHK by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x2 if the corresponding registers are read/write-locked in the TAMP peripheral.

Figure 369. Operation with wrapped keys for SAES in CTR mode

Figure 369. Operation with wrapped keys for SAES in CTR mode. The diagram is split into two columns: 'Wrapped-key mode (KMOD = 01)' and 'Normal-key mode (KMOD = 00)'. In the 'Wrapped-key mode' column, 'Step 1: provision' shows a block labeled 'SAES dec' with inputs 'DIN = 0', 'DHUK' (pink), 'BHK' (pink), and 'IV (with counter)'. The output is 'Derived key (from IV)' (pink), which is crossed out with a large 'X'. Below this, configuration values are listed: 'KEYSEL = 001 or 100', 'MODE = 10 (decryption)', and 'CHMOD = 010 (CTR)'. A pink note at the bottom says 'Pink: hardware secret (not readable by application)'. In the 'Normal-key mode' column, 'Step 2: use' shows a block labeled 'SAES enc/dec' with inputs 'DIN' and 'Decrypted key (from IV)' (pink). The output is 'DOUT'. Below this, configuration values are listed: 'KEYSEL = 00 (to keep the wrapped key)', 'MODE = any value', and 'CHMOD = any value'.
Figure 369. Operation with wrapped keys for SAES in CTR mode. The diagram is split into two columns: 'Wrapped-key mode (KMOD = 01)' and 'Normal-key mode (KMOD = 00)'. In the 'Wrapped-key mode' column, 'Step 1: provision' shows a block labeled 'SAES dec' with inputs 'DIN = 0', 'DHUK' (pink), 'BHK' (pink), and 'IV (with counter)'. The output is 'Derived key (from IV)' (pink), which is crossed out with a large 'X'. Below this, configuration values are listed: 'KEYSEL = 001 or 100', 'MODE = 10 (decryption)', and 'CHMOD = 010 (CTR)'. A pink note at the bottom says 'Pink: hardware secret (not readable by application)'. In the 'Normal-key mode' column, 'Step 2: use' shows a block labeled 'SAES enc/dec' with inputs 'DIN' and 'Decrypted key (from IV)' (pink). The output is 'DOUT'. Below this, configuration values are listed: 'KEYSEL = 00 (to keep the wrapped key)', 'MODE = any value', and 'CHMOD = any value'.

Note: DHUK value depends on privilege, KMOD[1:0], KEYSEL[2:0], CHMOD[2:0], and KEYSIZE.

The recommended sequence for SAES wrapped key mode using CTR is as follows:

  1. 1. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.
  2. 2. Wait until BUSY is cleared (no RNG random number fetch in progress).
  3. 3. Initialize the SAES_CR register as follow:
    • – Select the CTR chaining mode (CHMOD[2:0] at 0x2) in decryption mode (MODE[1:0] at 0x2). Other MODE[1:0] values are not supported.
    • – Select 32-bit data type (DATATYPE[1:0] at 0x0)
    • – Configure the key size with KEYSIZE. It is used for encryption key and for the key to share.
    • – Select wrapped key mode, by writing KMOD[1:0] with 0x1.
  4. 4. Write the initialization vector in SAES_IVRx registers, keeping the two least significant bits of SAES_IVR0 at zero.
  5. 5. Select the DHUK key source by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x1, 0x5 or 0x4. Optionally, select the BHK, by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x2. Refer to Section 36.4.17 for details on the use of KEYSEL[2:0].
  6. 6. Wait until KEYVALID is set (the key loading completed).
  7. 7. Enable the SAES peripheral, by setting EN.
  8. 8. Wait until CCF flag is set in the SAES_ISR register.
  9. 9. Clear the CCF flag, by setting the CCF bit in SAES_ICR register. The derived hardware secret key is available in SAES_KEYRx registers.
  10. 10. Repeat steps 8. and 9. if KEYSIZE is set.
  11. 11. Disable the SAES peripheral, by clearing EN.

At the end of this sequence, the hardware secret key derived from the public data in the SAES_IVRx registers is then immediately usable by the application for any AES operation (normal key mode, that is, with KMOD[1:0] = 0x0).

Note: The configuration KMOD[1:0] at 0x1 (wrapped key), CHMOD[2:0] at 0x2 (CTR chaining), and MODE at 0x0 (encryption) disables the peripheral, by automatically clearing the EN bit of the SAES_CR register.

36.4.15 SAES operation with shared keys

SAES peripheral can share application keys wrapped with hardware-secret key DHUK, XOR-ed or not with application key BHK or AHK. With this feature, the application software can make the AES keys available to the CRYP peripheral, without exposing them in clear-text (unencrypted).

Shared key sequences are too small to be suspended/resumed. SAES cannot unwrap a shared key using an unwrapped key.

Figure 370 summarizes how to wrap or unwrap keys to share with CRYP peripheral. To protect the shared key, DHUK must be selected, by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x1, 0x5, or 0x4. Alternatively, select BHK by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x2 if the corresponding registers are read/write-locked in the TAMP peripheral. AHK can also be selected, by writing KEYSEL[2:0] with 0x3.

Figure 370. Usage of Shared-key mode

Diagram illustrating the usage of Shared-key mode for SAES. It is divided into three steps: Step 1: provision, Step 2: load, and Step 3: use. Step 1 shows encryption of a clear-text shared key (DIN) into a wrapped (encrypted) shared key (DOUT) using SAES enc. Step 2 shows decryption of the wrapped key back into a clear-text shared key using SAES dec. Step 3 shows the use of the shared key with the AES peripheral. A legend indicates that pink text represents hardware secrets not readable by application software.

The diagram illustrates the usage of Shared-key mode for SAES, divided into three steps:

Pink: hardware secret (not readable by application)

Diagram illustrating the usage of Shared-key mode for SAES. It is divided into three steps: Step 1: provision, Step 2: load, and Step 3: use. Step 1 shows encryption of a clear-text shared key (DIN) into a wrapped (encrypted) shared key (DOUT) using SAES enc. Step 2 shows decryption of the wrapped key back into a clear-text shared key using SAES dec. Step 3 shows the use of the shared key with the AES peripheral. A legend indicates that pink text represents hardware secrets not readable by application software.

Note: DHUK value depends on privilege, KMOD[1:0], KSHAREID, KEYSEL[2:0], CHMOD[2:0], and KEYSIZE.

In the step 3, AES represents the CRYP peripheral.

Key wrapping for CRYP peripheral

Before SAES can share a key with the CRYP peripheral, the key must be encrypted (wrapped) once. The encryption sequence of a shared key is the same as for a wrapped key, with KMOD[1:0] at 0x2 (shared key) and KSHAREID[1:0] kept at 0x0 in the step 3 in Figure 370. See Key wrapping for SAES for details.

Note: Encryption in Shared-key mode is only supported when ECB or CBC is selected.

Key unwrapping for CRYP peripheral (shared key)

Each time SAES needs to share a key with the CRYP peripheral, shared encrypted key must be decrypted (unwrapped) in SAES, then loaded by CRYP. The overall sequence is described next.

Sequence in the SAES peripheral

The decryption sequence of a shared key is the same as for a wrapped key, with KMOD[1:0] at 0x2 (shared key) and KSHAREID[1:0] kept at 0x0 in the step 3 in Figure 370 . See Key unwrapping for SAES for details.

In shared key mode when decryption mode is selected (MODE[1:0] at 0x2), a read access to the SAES_DOUTr register triggers a read error (RDERRF).

Note: Instead of being shared, a decrypted shared key can be used directly in SAES as the KEYSEL[2:0] bitfield is automatically cleared. In this case, KMOD[1:0] must be written with 0x0 (normal key mode).

Sequence in the CRYP peripheral

Once the shared key is decrypted in SAES key registers, it can be shared with the CRYP peripheral, while SAES peripheral remains in key sharing state, that is, with KMOD[1:0] at 0x2 and KEYVALID set. The sequence in the CRYP key share target peripheral is described in AES key sharing with secure AES co-processor of the corresponding section in this document. It can be run multiple times (for example, to manage a suspend/resume situation) as long as SAES is unused and duly remains in key sharing state.

Note: When KMOD[1:0] is at 0x2 and BUSY set in the CRYP peripheral, and KEYSIZE value of CRYP and SAES differs, the key sharing fails and the KEIF flag is raised in both peripherals.

When KEYSEL[2:0] is at 0x1 (DHUK), 0x5 (DHUK XOR AHK), or 0x4 (DHUK XOR BHK), the application software must use the same privilege, KMOD[1:0] / KSHAREID[1:0], CHMOD[2:0], and KEYSIZE context for encryption and decryption. Otherwise, the result is incorrect.

36.4.16 SAES data registers and data swapping

Data input and output

A 16-byte data block enters the SAES peripheral with four successive 32-bit word writes into the SAES_DINR register (bitfield DIN[31:0]), the most significant word (bits [127:96]) first, the least significant word (bits [31:0]) last.

A 16-byte data block is retrieved from the SAES peripheral with four successive 32-bit word reads of the SAES_DOUTr register (bitfield DOUT[31:0]), the most significant word (bits [127:96]) first, the least significant word (bits [31:0]) last.

The four 32-bit words of a 16-byte data block must be stored in the memory consecutively and in big-endian order, that is, with the most significant word on the lowest address. See Table 331 “no swapping” option for details.

Data swapping

The SAES peripheral can be configured to perform a bit-, a byte-, a half-word-, or no swapping on the input data word in the SAES_DINR register, before loading it to the AES processing core, and on the data output from the AES processing core, before sending it to

the SAES_DOUTR register. The choice depends on the type of data. For example, a byte swapping is used for an ASCII text stream.

The data swap type is selected through DATATYPE[1:0]. The selection applies to both SAES input and output.

Note: The data in SAES key registers (SAES_KEYRx) and initialization vector registers (SAES_IVRx) are not sensitive to the swap mode selection.

The SAES data swapping feature is summarized in Table 331 and Figure 371 .

Table 331. AES data swapping example

DATATYPE[1:0]Swapping performedData block
System memory data (big-endian)
0x0No swappingBlock[127..64]: 0x04EEF672 2E04CE96
Block[63..0]: 0x4E6F7720 69732074
Address @, word[127..96]: 0x04EEF672
Address @ + 0x4, word[95..64]: 0x2E04CE96
Address @ + 0x8, word[63..32]: 0x4E6F7720
Address @ + 0xC, word[31..0]: 0x69732074
0x1Half-word (16-bit) swappingBlock[63..0]: 0x 4E6F 7720 6973 2074
Address @, word[63..32]: 0x7720 4E6F
Address @ + 0x4, word[31..0]: 0x2074 6973
0x2Byte (8-bit) swappingBlock[63..0]: 0x 4E 6F 77 20 69 73 20 74
Address @, word[63..32]: 0x20 77 6F4E
Address @ + 0x4, word[31..0]: 0x74 20 7369
0x3Bit swappingBlock[63..32]: 0x4E6F7720
0100 1110 0110 1111 0111 0111 0010 0000
Block[31..0]: 0x69732074
0110 1001 0111 0011 0010 0000 0111 0100
Address @, word[63..32]: 0x04EE F672
0000 0100 1110 1110 1111 0110 0111 0010
Address @ + 0x4, word[31..0]: 0x2E04 CE96
0010 1110 0000 0100 1100 1110 1001 0110

Figure 371. 128-bit block construction according to the data type

Diagram showing no swapping. 128 bits are divided into four 32-bit words (Word 3 to Word 0). Bits D127-D0 map directly to the AES core input/output data in the same order. Arrows 1, 2, 3, 4 indicate the write/read order for Word 3, Word 2, Word 1, and Word 0 respectively. Diagram showing 16-bit swapping. Within each 32-bit word, the two 16-bit half-words are swapped. For example, in Word 3, bits D127-D112 and D111-D96 are swapped in the AES core buffer. This pattern repeats for all four words. Diagram showing 8-bit swapping. Within each 32-bit word, the four 8-bit bytes are reversed in order. For example, in Word 3, the byte order D127..120, D119..112, D111..104, D103..96 is reversed to D103..96, D111..104, D119..112, D127..120 in the AES core buffer. Diagram showing bit swapping. Within each 32-bit word, the order of all 32 bits is reversed. For example, in Word 0, bits D31..D0 are mapped to D0..D31 in the AES core buffer. The diagram also shows an example of zero padding (shaded areas) for a 34-bit message. double arrow circled numbers 1 to 4

DATATYPE[1:0] = 00: no swapping

DATATYPE[1:0] = 01: 16-bit (half-word) swapping

DATATYPE[1:0] = 10: 8-bit (byte) swapping

DATATYPE[1:0] = 11: bit swapping

Legend:

MSv66122V1

Diagram showing no swapping. 128 bits are divided into four 32-bit words (Word 3 to Word 0). Bits D127-D0 map directly to the AES core input/output data in the same order. Arrows 1, 2, 3, 4 indicate the write/read order for Word 3, Word 2, Word 1, and Word 0 respectively. Diagram showing 16-bit swapping. Within each 32-bit word, the two 16-bit half-words are swapped. For example, in Word 3, bits D127-D112 and D111-D96 are swapped in the AES core buffer. This pattern repeats for all four words. Diagram showing 8-bit swapping. Within each 32-bit word, the four 8-bit bytes are reversed in order. For example, in Word 3, the byte order D127..120, D119..112, D111..104, D103..96 is reversed to D103..96, D111..104, D119..112, D127..120 in the AES core buffer. Diagram showing bit swapping. Within each 32-bit word, the order of all 32 bits is reversed. For example, in Word 0, bits D31..D0 are mapped to D0..D31 in the AES core buffer. The diagram also shows an example of zero padding (shaded areas) for a 34-bit message. double arrow circled numbers 1 to 4

Data padding

Figure 371 also gives an example of memory data block padding with zeros such that the zeroed bits after the data swap form a contiguous zone at the MSB end of the AES core input buffer. The example shows the padding of an input data block containing:

36.4.17 SAES key registers

The eight SAES_KEYRx write-only registers store the encryption or decryption key information, as shown on Table 332 . Reads are not allowed for security reason.

Note: In memory and in SAES key registers, keys are stored in little-endian format, with most significant byte on the highest address.

Table 332. Key endianness in SAES_KEYRx registers (128/256-bit keys)

SAES_KEYR
7
[31:0]
SAES_KEYR
6
[31:0]
SAES_KEYR
5
[31:0]
SAES_KEYR
4
[31:0]
SAES_KEYR
3
[31:0]
SAES_KEYR
2
[31:0]
SAES_KEYR
1
[31:0]
SAES_KEYR
0
[31:0]
----KEY[127:96]KEY[95:64]KEY[63:32]KEY[31:0]
KEY[255:224]KEY[223:192]KEY[191:160]KEY[159:128]KEY[127:96]KEY[95:64]KEY[63:32]KEY[31:0]
TAMP_BKP7R
[31:0]
TAMP_BKP6R
[31:0]
TAMP_BKP5R
[31:0]
TAMP_BKP4R
[31:0]
TAMP_BKP3R
[31:0]
TAMP_BKP2R
[31:0]
TAMP_BKP1R
[31:0]
TAMP_BKP0R
[31:0]

The key registers are not affected by the data swapping feature controlled by the DATATYPE[1:0] bitfield.

Write operations to the SAES_KEYRx registers are ignored when SAES peripheral is enabled (EN bit set) and KEYSEL[2:0] is different from zero. The application must check this before modifying key registers.

The entire key must be written before starting an AES computation.

In normal key mode (KMOD[1:0] at 0x0), with KEYSEL[2:0] at 0x0, the key registers must always be written in either ascending or descending order. The write sequence becomes:

Note: KEYSIZE must be written before the key.

As soon as the first key register is written, the KEYVALID flag is cleared. Once the key registers writing sequence is completed, KEYVALID is set and EN becomes writable. If an error occurs, KEYVALID is cleared and KEIF set (see Section 36.4.19 ).

Key selection

With KEYSEL[2:0] at 0x0, the application must write the key in the SAES_KEYRx registers.

With KEYSEL[2:0] at 0x1, a derived hardware unique key (DHUK), computed inside SAES from a nonvolatile and secret root hardware unique key, is loaded directly into key registers, based on KEYSIZE information.

With KEYSEL[2:0] at 0x2, the boot hardware key (BHK), stored in tamper-resistant secure backup registers, is entirely transferred into key registers upon performing a single read of all TAMP_BKPxR registers (x = 0 to 3 for KEYSIZE cleared, x = 0 to 7 for KEYSIZE set) in ascending order. Refer to Table 332 .

With KEYSEL[2:0] at 0x4, the XOR combination of DHUK and BHK is entirely transferred into key registers upon performing a single read of all TAMP_BKPxR registers (x = 0 to 3 for KEYSIZE cleared, x = 0 to 7 for KEYSIZE set) in ascending order. Refer to Table 332 .

With KEYSEL[2:0] at 0x3, the application hardware key (AHK), stored in the embedded Flash memory, is entirely transferred into key registers upon performing a successful option byte key read.

With KEYSEL[2:0] at 0x5, the XOR combination of DHUK and AHK is entirely transferred into key registers upon performing a successful option byte read.

Repeated writing of KEYSEL[2:0] with the same non-zero value only triggers the loading of DHUK, AHK, or BHK if KEYVALID is cleared. The recommended method to clear KEYVALID is to set IPRST. Such method is required for example when switching from ECB decryption to ECB encryption, selecting the same BHK (KEYSEL[2:0] at 0x2).

For all KEYSEL[2:0] values, initiating the key-loading sequence sets the BUSY flag and clears the KEYVALID flag. Once the amount of bits defined by KEYSIZE is transferred to the SAES_KEYRx registers, BUSY is cleared, KEYVALID set and the EN bit becomes writable. If an error occurs, BUSY and KEYVALID are cleared and KEIF set (see Section 36.4.19 ).

Note: DHUK, AHK, BHK and their XOR combination are not readable by software.

36.4.18 SAES initialization vector registers

The four SAES_IVRx registers store the initialization vector (IV) information, as shown in Table 333 . They can only be written if the SAES peripheral is disabled (EN cleared).

Note: In memory and in SAES IV registers, initialization vectors are stored in little-endian format, with most significant byte on the highest address.

Table 333. IVI bitfield spread over SAES_IVRx registers

SAES_IVR3[31:0]SAES_IVR2[31:0]SAES_IVR1[31:0]SAES_IVR0[31:0]
IVI[127:96]IVI[95:64]IVI[63:32]IVI[31:0]

Initialization vector information depends on the chaining mode selected. When used, SAES_IVRx registers are updated upon each AES computation cycle (useful for managing suspend mode).

The initialization vector registers are not affected by the data swapping feature controlled through DATATYPE[1:0].

36.4.19 SAES error management

The SAES peripheral manages the errors described in this section.

Read error flag (RDERRF)

Unexpected read attempt of the SAES_DOUTR register returns zero, setting the RDERRF flag and the RWEIF flag. RDERRF is triggered during the computation phase or during the input phase.

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, SAES is not disabled when RDERRF rises and it continues processing.

An interrupt is generated if the RWEIE bit is set. For more details, refer to Section 36.5: SAES interrupts .

The RDERRF and RWEIF flags are cleared by setting the RWEIF bit of the SAES_ICR register.

Write error flag (WRERRF)

Unexpected write attempt of the SAES_DINR register is ignored, setting the WRERRF and the RWEIF flags. WRERRF is triggered during the computation phase or during the output phase.

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, SAES is not disabled when WRERRF rises and it continues processing.

An interrupt is generated if the RWEIE bit is set. For more details, refer to Section 36.5: SAES interrupts .

The WRERRF and RWEIF flags are cleared by setting the RWEIF bit of the SAES_ICR register.

Key error interrupt flag (KEIF)

There are multiple sources of errors that set the KEIF flag of the SAES_ISR register and clear the KEYVALID bit of the SAES_SR register:

The KEIF flag is cleared with corresponding bit of the SAES_ICR register. An interrupt is generated if the KEIE bit of the SAES_IER register is set. For more details, refer to Section 36.5: SAES interrupts .

Upon a key selection error, clearing the KEIF flag automatically restarts the key selection process. Persisting problems (for example, RHUK load failing) may require a power-on reset.

Upon a key sharing error, reset both CRYP and SAES peripherals through the IPRST bit of their corresponding control register, then restart the key sharing sequence.

Note: For any key error, clear KEIF flag prior to disabling and re-configuring SAES.

RNG error interrupt flag (RNGEIF)

SAES fetches random numbers from the RNG peripheral automatically after an IP reset triggered in the RCC. SAES cannot be used when RNGEIF is set.

An error detected while fetching a random number from RNG peripheral (due to, for example, bad entropy) sets the RNGEIF flag of the SAES_ISR register. The flag is cleared by setting the corresponding bit of the SAES_ICR register. An interrupt is generated if the

RNGEIE bit of the SAES_IER register is set. For more details, refer to Section 36.5: SAES interrupts .

Upon an RNG error:

Note: To avoid RNGEIF errors, it is recommended to activate the RNG AHB clock each time SAES AHB clock is activated.

Managing tamper errors

An unexpected error triggers an SAES internal tamper event in the TAMP peripheral, and stops any SAES co-processor processing.

To resume normal operation, reset the SAES peripheral through RCC or global reset.

36.5 SAES interrupts

There are multiple individual maskable interrupt sources generated by the SAES peripheral to signal the following events:

See Section 36.4.19: SAES error management for details on SAES errors.

These sources are combined into a common interrupt signal from the SAES peripheral that connects to the Cortex® CPU interrupt controller. Application can enable or disable SAES interrupt sources individually by setting/clearing the corresponding enable bit of the SAES_IER register.

The status of the individual maskable interrupt sources can be read from the SAES_ISR register. They are cleared by setting the corresponding bit of the SAES_ICR register.

Table 334 gives a summary of the available features.

Table 334. SAES interrupt requests

Interrupt acronymInterrupt eventEvent flagEnable bitInterrupt clear method
SAEScomputation completed flagCCFCCFIEset CCF (1)
read error flagRDERRF (2)RWEIEset RWEIF (1)
write error flagWRERRF (2)
key error flagKEIFKEIEset KEIF (1)
RNG error flagRNGEIFRNGEIEset RNGEIF (1)
  1. 1. Bit of the SAES_ICR register.
  2. 2. Flag of the SAES_SR register, mirrored by the flag RWEIF of the SAES_ISR register.

36.6 SAES DMA requests

The SAES peripheral provides an interface to connect to the DMA (direct memory access) controller. The DMA operation is controlled through the DMAINEN and DMAOUTEN bits of the SAES_CR register. When key derivation is selected (MODE[1:0] is at 0x1), setting those bits has no effect.

SAES only supports single DMA requests.

Detailed usage of DMA with SAES can be found in Appending data using DMA subsection of Section 36.4.5: SAES encryption or decryption typical usage .

Data input using DMA

Setting DMAINEN enables DMA writing into SAES. SAES then initiates, during the input phase, a set of single DMA requests for each 16-byte data block to write to the SAES_DINR register (quadruple 32-bit word, MSB first).

Note: According to the algorithm and the mode selected, special padding / ciphertext stealing might be required (see Section 36.4.7 ).

Data output using DMA

Setting DMAOUTEN enables DMA reading from SAES. SAES then initiates, during the output phase, a set of single DMA requests for each 16-byte data block to read from the SAES_DOUTR register (quadruple 32-bit word, MSB first).

After the output phase, at the end of processing of a 16-byte data block, SAES switches automatically to a new input phase for the next data block, if any.

In DMA mode, the CCF flag has no use because the reading of the SAES_DOUTR register is managed by DMA automatically at the end of the computation phase. The CCF flag must only be cleared when transiting back to managing the data transfers by software.

Note: According to the message size, extra bytes might need to be discarded by application in the last block.

Stopping DMA transfers

All DMA request signals are de-asserted when SAES is disabled (EN cleared) or the DMA enable bit (DMAINEN for input data, DMAOUTEN for output data) is cleared.

36.7 SAES processing latency

The following tables provide the 16-byte data block processing latency per operating mode.

Table 335. Processing latency for ECB, CBC and CTR

Key sizeMode of operationChaining algorithmClock cycles (1)
128-bitEncryption or decryption (2)ECB, CBC, CTR480
Key preparation-145
Table 335. Processing latency for ECB, CBC and CTR (continued)
Key sizeMode of operationChaining algorithmClock cycles (1)
256-bitEncryption or decryption (2)ECB, CBC, CTR680
Key preparation-230
  1. 1. SAES kernel clock
  2. 2. Excluding key preparation time (ECB and CBC only).
Table 336. Processing latency for GCM and CCM (in SAES kernel clock cycles)
Key sizeMode of operationChaining algorithmInitialization phaseHeader phase (1)Payload phase (1)Final phase (1)
128-bitMode 1: Encryption/
Mode 3: Decryption
GCM49072 (2)480 (3)490
CCM490490800490
256-bitMode 1: Encryption/
Mode 3: Decryption
GCM65072 (2)690 (3)650
CCM6506801350650
  1. 1. Data insertion can include wait states forced by SAES on the AHB bus (maximum 3 cycles, typical 1 cycle).
  2. 2. SAES AHB clock cycles instead of kernel clock cycle (Galois multiplier only).
  3. 3. As a worst case in encryption mode, add extra 72 AHB clock cycles for the last block computation.

36.8 SAES registers

The registers are accessible through 32-bit word single accesses only. Other access types generate an AHB error, and other than 32-bit writes may corrupt the register content.

36.8.1 SAES control register (SAES_CR)

Address offset: 0x000

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
IPRSTKEYSEL[2:0]KSHAREID[1:0]KMOD[1:0]NPBLB[3:0]Res.KEYSIZERes.CHMOD[2]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

1514131211109876543210
Res.GCMPH[1:0]DMAOUTENDMAINENRes.Res.Res.Res.CHMOD[1:0]MODE[1:0]DATATYPE[1:0]EN
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bit 31 IPRST: SAES peripheral software reset

Setting the bit resets the SAES peripheral, putting all registers to their default values, except the IPRST bit itself. Hence, any key-relative data are lost. For this reason, it is recommended to set the bit before handing over the SAES to a less secure application.

The bit must be kept low while writing any configuration registers.

Bits 30:28 KEYSEL[2:0]: Key selection

The bitfield defines the source of the key information to use in the AES cryptographic core.

0x0: Software key, loaded in key registers SAES_KEYx

0x1: Derived hardware unique key (DHUK)

0x2: Boot hardware key (BHK)

0x3: Application hardware key (AHK)

0x4: XOR of DHUK and BHK

0x5: XOR of DHUK and AHK

Others: Reserved (if used, unfreeze SAES with IPRST)

When KEYSEL[2:0] is different from zero, selected key value is available in key registers when BUSY bit is cleared and KEYVALID is set in the SAES_SR register. Otherwise, the key error flag KEIF is set. Repeated writing of KEYSEL[2:0] with the same non-zero value only triggers the loading of DHUK or BHK when KEYVALID is cleared.

When the application software changes the key selection by writing the KEYSEL[2:0] bitfield, the key registers are immediately erased and the KEYVALID flag cleared.

At the end of the decryption process, if KMOD[1:0] is other than zero, KEYSEL[2:0] is cleared.

Attempts to write the bitfield are ignored when the BUSY flag of SAES_SR register is set, as well as when the EN bit of the SAES_CR register is set before the write access and it is not cleared by that write access.

Bits 27:26 KSHAREID[1:0]: Key share identification

This bitfield defines, at the end of a decryption process with KMOD[1:0] at 0x2 (shared key), which target can read the SAES key registers using a dedicated hardware bus.

0x0: CRYPT peripheral

Others: Reserved

Attempts to write the bitfield are ignored when BUSY is set, as well as when EN is set before the write access and it is not cleared by that write access.

Bits 25:24 KMOD[1:0]: Key mode selection

The bitfield defines how the SAES key can be used by the application. KEYSIZE must be correctly initialized when setting KMOD[1:0] different from zero.

0x0: Normal key mode. Key registers are freely usable and no specific use or protection applies to SAES_DINR and SAES_DOUTR registers.

0x1: Wrapped key for SAES mode. Key loaded in key registers can only be used to encrypt or decrypt AES keys. Hence, when a decryption is selected, read-as-zero SAES_DOUTR register is automatically loaded into SAES key registers after a successful decryption process.

0x2: Shared key mode. After a successful decryption process (unwrapping), SAES key registers are shared with the peripheral described in KSHAREID[1:0] bitfield. This sharing is valid only while KMOD[1:0] is at 0x2 and KEYVALID=1. When a decryption is selected, read-as-zero SAES_DOUTR register is automatically loaded into SAES key registers after a successful decryption process.

Others: Reserved

Attempts to write the bitfield are ignored when BUSY is set, as well as when EN is set before the write access and it is not cleared by that write access.

Bits 23:20 NPBLB[3:0]: Number of padding bytes in last block

This padding information must be filled by software before processing the last block of GCM payload encryption or CCM payload decryption, otherwise authentication tag computation is incorrect.

0x0: All bytes are valid (no padding)

0x1: Padding for the last LSB byte

...

0xF: Padding for the 15 LSB bytes of last block.

Bit 19 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 18 KEYSIZE: Key size selection

This bitfield defines the key length in bits of the key used by SAES.

0: 128-bit

1: 256-bit

When KMOD[1:0] is at 0x1 or 0x2, KEYSIZE also defines the length of the key to encrypt or decrypt.

Attempts to write the bit are ignored when BUSY is set, as well as when the EN is set before the write access and it is not cleared by that write access.

Bit 17 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 15 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 14:13 GCMAPH[1:0]: GCM or CCM phase selection

This bitfield selects the phase, applicable only with GCM, GMAC or CCM chaining modes.

0x0: Initialization phase

0x1: Header phase

0x2: Payload phase

0x3: Final phase

Bit 12 DMAOUTEN: DMA output enable

This bit enables automatic generation of DMA requests during the data phase, for outgoing data transfers from SAES via DMA.

0: Disable

1: Enable

Setting this bit is ignored when MODE[1:0] is at 0x1 (key derivation).

Bit 11 DMAINEN: DMA input enable

This bit enables automatic generation of DMA requests during the data phase, for incoming data transfers to SAES via DMA.

0: Disable

1: Enable

Setting this bit is ignored when MODE[1:0] is at 0x1 (key derivation).

Bits 10:7 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 16, 6:5 CHMOD[2:0]: Chaining mode

This bitfield selects the AES chaining mode:

0x0: Electronic codebook (ECB)

0x1: Cipher-block chaining (CBC)

0x2: Counter mode (CTR)

0x3: Galois counter mode (GCM) and Galois message authentication code (GMAC)

0x4: Counter with CBC-MAC (CCM)

others: Reserved

Attempts to write the bitfield are ignored when BUSY is set, as well as when EN is set before the write access and it is not cleared by that write access.

Bits 4:3 MODE[1:0]: Operating mode

This bitfield selects the SAES operating mode:

0x0: Encryption

0x1: Key derivation (or key preparation), for ECB/CBC decryption only

0x2: Decryption

0x3: Reserved

Attempts to write the bitfield are ignored when BUSY is set, as well as when EN is set before the write access and it is not cleared by that write access.

Bits 2:1 DATATYPE[1:0]: Data type

This bitfield defines the format of data written in the SAES_DINR register or read from the SAES_DOUTR register, through selecting the mode of data swapping. This swapping is defined in Section 36.4.16: SAES data registers and data swapping .

0x0: No swapping (32-bit data).

0x1: Half-word swapping (16-bit data)

0x2: Byte swapping (8-bit data)

0x3: Bit-level swapping

Attempts to write the bitfield are ignored when BUSY is set, as well as when EN is set before the write access and it is not cleared by that write access.

Bit 0 EN : Enable

This bit enables/disables the SAES peripheral.

0: Disable

1: Enable

At any moment, clearing then setting the bit re-initializes the SAES peripheral. When KMOD[1:0] is different from 0x0, using IPRST bit is recommended instead.

This bit is automatically cleared by hardware upon the completion of the key preparation (MODE[1:0] at 0x1) and upon the completion of GCM/GMAC/CCM initialization phase.

The bit cannot be set as long as KEYVALID is cleared, or when SAES is in one of the following configurations:

36.8.2 SAES status register (SAES_SR)

Address offset: 0x004

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.KEYVALIDRes.Res.Res.BUSYWRERRFRDERRFRes.
rrrr

Bits 31:8 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 7 KEYVALID : Key valid flag

This bit is set by hardware when the key of size defined by KEYSIZE is loaded in SAES_KEYRx key registers.

0: Key not valid

1: Key valid

The EN bit can only be set when KEYVALID is set.

In normal mode when KEYSEL[2:0] is at zero, the key must be written in the key registers in the correct sequence, otherwise the KEIF flag is set and KEYVALID remains cleared.

When KEYSEL[2:0] is different from zero, the BUSY flag is automatically set by SAES. When the key is loaded successfully, BUSY is cleared and KEYVALID set. Upon an error, KEIF is set, BUSY cleared and KEYVALID remains cleared.

If set, KEIF must be cleared through the SAES_ICR register, otherwise KEYVALID cannot be set.

See the KEIF flag description for more details.

For further information on key loading, refer to Section 36.4.17: SAES key registers .

Bits 6:4 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 3 BUSY : Busy

This flag indicates whether SAES is idle or busy.

0: Idle

1: Busy

SAES is flagged as idle when disabled (when EN is low) or when the last processing is completed. SAES is flagged as busy when processing a block data, preparing a key (ECB or CBC decryption only), fetching random number from the RNG, or transferring a shared key to the target peripheral. When GCM encryption payload phase is selected, this flag must be at zero before suspending current process to manage a higher-priority message. BUSY must also be cleared before selecting the GCM final phase.

Bit 2 WRERRF : Write error flag

This bit is set when an unexpected write to the SAES_DINR register occurred. When set WRERRF bit has no impact on the SAES operations.

0: No error

1: Unexpected write to SAES_DINR register occurred during computation or data output phase.

The flag setting generates an interrupt if the RWEIE bit of the SAES_IER register is set.

The flag is cleared by setting the RWEIF bit of the SAES_ICR register.

Bit 1 RDERRF : Read error flag

This bit is set when an unexpected read to the SAES_DOUTR register occurred. When set RDERRF bit has no impact on the SAES operations.

0: No error

1: Unexpected read to SAES_DOUTR register occurred during computation or data input phase.

The flag setting generates an interrupt if the RWEIE bit of the SAES_IER register is set.

The flag is cleared by setting the RWEIF bit of the SAES_ICR register.

Bit 0 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

36.8.3 SAES data input register (SAES_DINR)

Address offset: 0x008

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
DIN[31:16]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
DIN[15:0]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Bits 31:0 DIN[31:0] : Data input

A four-fold sequential write to this bitfield during the Input phase results in writing a complete 16-bytes block of input data to the SAES peripheral. From the first to the fourth write, the corresponding data weights are [127:96], [95:64], [63:32], and [31:0]. Upon each write, the data from the 32-bit input buffer are handled by the data swap block according to the DATATYPE[1:0] bitfield, then written into the AES core 16-bytes input buffer.

Reads return zero.

36.8.4 SAES data output register (SAES_DOUTr)

Address offset: 0x00C

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

Read when KMOD[1:0] is at 0x1 or 0x2 while MODE[1:0] is at 0x2 and EN is set triggers a read error.

31302928272625242322212019181716
DOUT[31:16]
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
1514131211109876543210
DOUT[15:0]
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Bits 31:0 DOUT[31:0] : Data output

This read-only bitfield fetches a 32-bit output buffer. A four-fold sequential read of this bitfield, upon the computation completion (CCF flag set), virtually reads a complete 16-byte block of output data from the SAES peripheral. Before reaching the output buffer, the data produced by the AES core are handled by the data swap block according to the DATATYPE[1:0] bitfield.

Data weights from the first to the fourth read operation are: [127:96], [95:64], [63:32], and [31:0].

36.8.5 SAES key register 0 (SAES_KEYR0)

Address offset: 0x010

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
KEY[31:16]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
KEY[15:0]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Bits 31:0 KEY[31:0] : Cryptographic key, bits [31:0]

These are bits [31:0] of the write-only bitfield KEY[255:0] AES encryption or decryption key, depending on the MODE[1:0] bitfield of the SAES_CR register.

Writes to SAES_KEYRx registers are ignored when SAES is enabled (EN bit set). When KEYSEL[2:0] is different from 0 and KEYVALID is 0, writes to key registers are also ignored and they result in setting the KEIF bit of the SAES_ISR register.

With KMOD[1:0] at 0x0, a special writing sequence is required. In this sequence, any valid write to AES_KEYRx register clears the KEYVALID flag except for the sequence-completing write that sets it. Also refer to the description of the KEYVALID flag in the AES_SR register.

36.8.6 SAES key register 1 (SAES_KEYR1)

Address offset: 0x014

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
KEY[63:48]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
KEY[47:32]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Bits 31:0 KEY[63:32] : Cryptographic key, bits [63:32]

Refer to the SAES_KEYR0 register for description of the KEY[255:0] bitfield and for information relative to writing SAES_KEYRx registers.

36.8.7 SAES key register 2 (SAES_KEYR2)

Address offset: 0x018

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
KEY[95:80]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
KEY[79:64]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Bits 31:0 KEY[95:64] : Cryptographic key, bits [95:64]

Refer to the SAES_KEYR0 register for description of the KEY[255:0] bitfield and for information relative to writing SAES_KEYRx registers.

36.8.8 SAES key register 3 (SAES_KEYR3)

Address offset: 0x01C

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
KEY[127:112]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
KEY[111:96]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Bits 31:0 KEY[127:96] : Cryptographic key, bits [127:96]

Refer to the SAES_KEYR0 register for description of the KEY[255:0] bitfield and for information relative to writing SAES_KEYRx registers.

36.8.9 SAES initialization vector register 0 (SAES_IVR0)

Address offset: 0x020

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
IVI[31:16]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw
1514131211109876543210
IVI[15:0]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bits 31:0 IVI[31:0] : Initialization vector input, bits [31:0]

SAES_IVRx registers store the 128-bit initialization vector or the nonce, depending on the chaining mode selected. This value is updated by hardware after each computation round (when applicable). Write to this register is ignored when EN bit is set in SAES_CR register

36.8.10 SAES initialization vector register 1 (SAES_IVR1)

Address offset: 0x024

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
IVI[63:48]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw
1514131211109876543210
IVI[47:32]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bits 31:0 IVI[63:32] : Initialization vector input, bits [63:32]

Refer to the SAES_IVR0 register for description of the IVI[128:0] bitfield.

36.8.11 SAES initialization vector register 2 (SAES_IVR2)

Address offset: 0x028

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
IVI[95:80]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw
1514131211109876543210
IVI[79:64]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bits 31:0 IVI[95:64] : Initialization vector input, bits [95:64]

Refer to the SAES_IVR0 register for description of the IVI[128:0] bitfield.

36.8.12 SAES initialization vector register 3 (SAES_IVR3)

Address offset: 0x02C

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
IVI[127:112]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw
1514131211109876543210
IVI[111:96]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bits 31:0 IVI[127:96] : Initialization vector input, bits [127:96]

Refer to the SAES_IVR0 register for description of the IVI[128:0] bitfield.

36.8.13 SAES key register 4 (SAES_KEYR4)

Address offset: 0x030

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
KEY[159:144]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
KEY[143:128]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Bits 31:0 KEY[159:128] : Cryptographic key, bits [159:128]

Refer to the SAES_KEYR0 register for description of the KEY[255:0] bitfield and for information relative to writing SAES_KEYRx registers.

36.8.14 SAES key register 5 (SAES_KEYR5)

Address offset: 0x034

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
KEY[191:176]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
KEY[175:160]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Bits 31:0 KEY[191:160] : Cryptographic key, bits [191:160]

Refer to the SAES_KEYR0 register for description of the KEY[255:0] bitfield and for information relative to writing SAES_KEYRx registers.

36.8.15 SAES key register 6 (SAES_KEYR6)

Address offset: 0x038

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
KEY[223:208]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
KEY[207:192]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Bits 31:0 KEY[223:192] : Cryptographic key, bits [223:192]

Refer to the SAES_KEYR0 register for description of the KEY[255:0] bitfield and for information relative to writing SAES_KEYRx registers.

36.8.16 SAES key register 7 (SAES_KEYR7)

Address offset: 0x03C

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
KEY[255:240]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
1514131211109876543210
KEY[239:224]
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Bits 31:0 KEY[255:224] : Cryptographic key, bits [255:224]

Refer to the SAES_KEYR0 register for description of the KEY[255:0] bitfield and for information relative to writing SAES_KEYRx registers.

36.8.17 SAES suspend registers (SAES_SUSPRx)

Address offset: 0x040 + 0x4 * x, (x = 0 to 7)

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
SUSP[31:16]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw
1514131211109876543210
SUSP[15:0]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bits 31:0 SUSP[31:0] : Suspend data

SAES_SUSPRx registers contain the complete internal register states of the SAES when the CCM processing of the current task is suspended to process a higher-priority task. Refer to Section 36.4.8: SAES suspend and resume operations for more details.

Clearing EN bit of the SAES_CR register clears this register to zero.

SAES_SUSPRx registers are not used in other chaining modes than CCM, or when SAES is used in DMA mode.

36.8.18 SAES interrupt enable register (SAES_IER)

Address offset: 0x300

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.RNGEIEKEIERWEIECCFIE
rwrwrwrw

Bits 31:4 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 3 RNGEIE : RNG error interrupt enable

This bit enables or disables (masks) the SAES interrupt generation when RNGEIF (RNG error flag) is set.

0: Disabled (masked)

1: Enabled (not masked)

Bit 2 KEIE : Key error interrupt enable

This bit enables or disables (masks) the SAES interrupt generation when KEIF (key error flag) is set.

0: Disabled (masked)

1: Enabled (not masked)

Bit 1 RWEIE : Read or write error interrupt enable

This bit enables or disables (masks) the SAES interrupt generation when RWEIF (read and/or write error flag) is set.

0: Disabled (masked)

1: Enabled (not masked)

Bit 0 CCFIE : Computation complete flag interrupt enable

This bit enables or disables (masks) the SAES interrupt generation when CCF (computation complete flag) is set.

0: Disabled (masked)

1: Enabled (not masked)

36.8.19 SAES interrupt status register (SAES_ISR)

Address offset: 0x304

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.RNGEIFKEIFRWEIFCCF
rrrr

Bits 31:4 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 3 RNGEIF : RNG error interrupt flag

This read-only bit is set by hardware when an error is detected on RNG bus interface (for example bad entropy).

0: RNG bus is functional

1: Error detected on RNG bus interface (random seed fetching error)

The flag setting generates an interrupt if the RNGEIF bit of the SAES_IER register is set.

The flag is cleared by setting the corresponding bit of the SAES_ICR register. The clear action triggers the reload of a new random number from the RNG peripheral.

Bit 2 KEIF : Key error interrupt flag

This read-only bit is set by hardware when the key information fails to load into key registers or when the key register use is forbidden.

0: No key error detected

1: Key information failed to load into key registers or the key register use is forbidden

The flag setting generates an interrupt if the KEIE bit of the SAES_IER register is set. It also clears the key registers and the KEYVALID flag in the SAES_SR register.

The flag is cleared by setting the corresponding bit of the SAES_ICR register.

KEIF is raised upon any of the following events:

KEIF must be cleared by the application software, otherwise KEYVALID cannot be set.

Bit 1 RWEIF : Read or write error interrupt flag

This read-only bit is set by hardware when a RDERRF or a WRERRF error flag is set in the SAES_SR register.

0: No read or write error detected

1: Read or write error detected

The flag setting generates an interrupt if the RWEIE bit of the SAES_IER register is set.

The flag is cleared by setting the corresponding bit of the SAES_ICR register.

The flag has no meaning when key derivation mode is selected.

See the SAES_SR register for details.

Bit 0 CCF : Computation complete flag

This flag indicates whether the computation is completed. It is significant only when the DMAOUTEN bit is cleared, and it may stay high when DMAOUTEN is set.

0: Not completed

1: Completed

The flag setting generates an interrupt if the CCFIE bit of the SAES_IER register is set.

The flag is cleared by setting the corresponding bit of the SAES_ICR register.

36.8.20 SAES interrupt clear register (SAES_ICR)

Address offset: 0x308

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.RNGEIFKEIFRWEIFCCF
wwww

Bits 31:4 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 3 RNGEIF : RNG error interrupt flag clear

Application must set this bit to clear the RNGEIF status bit in SAES_ISR register.

Bit 2 KEIF : Key error interrupt flag clear

Setting this bit clears the KEIF status bit of the SAES_ISR register.

Bit 1 RWEIF : Read or write error interrupt flag clear

Setting this bit clears the RWEIF status bit of the SAES_ISR register, and clears both RDERRF and WRERRF flags in the SAES_SR register.

Bit 0 CCF : Computation complete flag clear

Setting this bit clears the CCF status bit of the SAES_ISR register.

36.8.21 SAES register map

Table 337. SAES register map and reset values

OffsetRegister name313029282726252423222120191817161514131211109876543210
0x000SAES_CRIPRSTKEYSEL[2:0]KSHAREID[1:0]KMOD[1:0]NPBLB[3:0]Res.KEYSIZERes.CHMOD[2]Res.GCMPH[1:0]DMAOUTENDOMAINENRes.Res.Res.Res.CHMOD[1]CHMOD[0]MODE[1:0]DATATYPE[1:0]EN
Reset value0000000000000000000000000
Table 337. SAES register map and reset values (continued)
OffsetRegister name313029282726252423222120191817161514131211109876543210
0x004SAES_SRRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.KEYVALIDRes.Res.Res.BUSYWRERRFRDERRFRes.
Reset value0000
0x008SAES_DINRDIN[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x00CSAES_DOUTRDOUT[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x010SAES_KEYR0KEY[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x014SAES_KEYR1KEY[63:32]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x018SAES_KEYR2KEY[95:64]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x01CSAES_KEYR3KEY[127:96]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x020SAES_IVR0IVI[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x024SAES_IVR1IVI[63:32]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x028SAES_IVR2IVI[95:64]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x02CSAES_IVR3IVI[127:96]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x030SAES_KEYR4KEY[159:128]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x034SAES_KEYR5KEY[191:160]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x038SAES_KEYR6KEY[223:192]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x03CSAES_KEYR7KEY[255:224]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x040SAES_SUSPR0SUSP[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x044SAES_SUSPR1SUSP[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x048SAES_SUSPR2SUSP[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000

Table 337. SAES register map and reset values (continued)

OffsetRegister name313029282726252423222120191817161514131211109876543210
0x04CSAES_SUSPR3SUSP[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x050SAES_SUSPR4SUSP[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x054SAES_SUSPR5SUSP[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x058SAES_SUSPR6SUSP[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x05CSAES_SUSPR7SUSP[31:0]
Reset value00000000000000000000000000000000
0x060-0x2FFReservedRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
0x300SAES_IERRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.RNGEIEKEIERWEIECCFIE
Reset value0000
0x304SAES_ISRRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.RNGEIFKEIFRWEIFCCF
Reset value0000
0x308SAES_ICRRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.RNGEIFKEIFRWEIFCCF
Reset value0000
0x309-0x3FFReservedRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.

Refer to Section 2.3: Memory organization for the register boundary addresses.