production process , making licensing seamless and efficient .
Editorial Team : What functions does the library offer on microcontrollers ?
PS : The license content can be individually customized . Typically , a license contains only a few attributes : a device ID , Firm Code , Product Code , validity period , feature map , and the number of license units . Adjustments to specific customer requirements are possible . The library verifies the validity of the license and provides access to its content .
Editorial Team : How large is such a license ?
License Central
License Portal
CmCloud- Container
CmDongle
Programming PC in production
CmRuntime
Runtime
Programming software
Host-Tool
Individual Microcontroller License
PS : A typical license requires approximately 150 bytes in the parameter storage of the microcontroller . This includes the essential attributes and a cryptographic signature .
Editorial Team : And what about the library ? What resources are required for it ?
PS : The microcontroller only requires ECDSA signature verification and SHA hash calculation . Depending on the platform , existing hardware can be utilized , or already available cryptographic libraries can be integrated . This ensures flexibility in implementation , and as a result , the required memory size varies .
Editorial Team : How does the licensing process work in practice ?
PS : To bind a license to the device , a unique device ID is required , which can either be read from the microcontroller or obtained from an external source . During production , a host tool generates a signed license for the microcontroller using a CmDongle or via CmCloud . A counter in the CodeMeter license container is decremented , ensuring that each license is used only once . The license transfer depends on the application scenario – either automatically on the production line or later by a technician in the field . Future updates are also possible via the host tool .
Editorial Team : And how is the license verified on the device ?
PS : At startup or during operation , the license container is read . The signature is verified against a key hidden in the firmware . After verification , the firmware receives the license information – either as a simple Yes / No decision or with additional attributes that control the software functionality .
Editorial Team : How can a customer obtain this solution ?
PM : Through our Sales and Professional Services teams . First , we clarify the protection requirements and use case with the customer . Upon request , Professional Services then provides a customized code example for the microcontroller and delivers a secured library for the host tool .
Editorial Team : How secure is the solution against unauthorized license creation by third parties ?
PS : A critical aspect is the protection of the host tool , which generates the microcontroller licenses . For this , we use CodeMeter AxProtector . Up to this point , the CodeMeter Remote Update process is fully secured . The host tool then creates a licensed file for the specific target device , ensuring that the entire chain remains protected .
Editorial Team : What about software protection ?
PM : Many modern microcontrollers offer integrated security solutions that allow firmware to be signed and encrypted . For example , NXP refers to this as Secure Provisioning . Even the new RP2350 from Raspberry Pi supports Encrypted Boot using an asymmetric cryptographic method .
Editorial Team : Can this also be protected with CodeMeter functions ?
PS : This needs to be evaluated on a case-bycase basis and implemented specifically to the microcontroller . A smart combination of the microcontroller ’ s built-in security features and CodeMeter functions for license handling and storage can significantly enhance the level of protection .
Editorial Team : And now , please summarize the entire topic in a single sentence .
PM : Wibu-Systems enables licensing on resource-constrained microcontrollers by combining CodeMeter ’ s license management functions with the built-in security features of modern microcontrollers , ensuring efficient and flexible implementation .
Secure License Management for Small Devices – A Smarter Approach Traditional license management tools often fall short on small devices due to limited resources . With the Custom Licensing Adapter , CmDongles , and Code- Moving , machine builders and manufacturers can enable secure , centralized licensing via CodeMeter License Central . Watch the webinar replay !
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