Design and implementation of a cryptographic algorithm based on the AES advanced encryption standard for UHF RFID systems

Abstract

In this paper, a proposal is made for a cryptographic algorithm designed for passive ultra-high-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification systems. The algorithm relies on the advanced encryption standard (AES) as its fundamental encryption technique, augmented by two supplementary steps: the initial step involves generating a random key and the second is the randomization of data, this introduces an extra level of security to encryption process against attacks. The developed architecture has been optimized to minimize hardware resource consumption with faster execution speed. The algorithm has been simulated, synthesized and implemented in an xtreme digital signal processing (DSP) starter kit equipped with xilinx’s spartan-3A DSP 1800A edition and it serves the purpose of encrypting and decrypting user data on a radio frequency identification (RFID) passive tag. The main objective is to make it difficult to break the algorithm because of its multiple steps. The experimental results showed that the speed, functionality and cost of encryption and decryption make this a perfectly practical solution, providing a satisfactory level of security for today’s communications systems, or other electronic data transfer processes where security is required.