Secure Communication in Ethical IoT: A Demonstration with RISC-V

Introduction

In the ever-expanding world of the Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring the security of communication between devices is paramount. This project showcases a fundamental concept in secure communication: end-to-end encryption. We utilize the power of the RISC-V architecture on the VSDSquadron microcontroller to demonstrate how data can be scrambled during transmission and only be unravelled by the intended recipient.

This project aligns perfectly with the hackathon's themes of ethical IoT and security with RISC-V. By focusing on secure communication, we address ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and unauthorized access within IoT systems.

Why is this relevant?

End-to-end encryption fosters trust in IoT systems. It guarantees that the data exchanged between devices remains confidential, even if intercepted by a malicious third party. This is crucial for scenarios where sensitive information, like sensor data from a smart home or medical device readings, is being transmitted.

Advantages of RISC-V?

The RISC-V architecture provides an open-source and flexible platform for implementing cryptographic algorithms like RSA encryption. This allows developers to tailor security measures to specific needs while ensuring transparency and community-driven development.

Overview

This project demonstrates secure communication using the VSDSquadron microcontroller. Here's a basic overview:

Step Number	Step	Step Description
1	User A enters message	User A types a message on the shared keypad.
2	RISC-V encrypts message	The microcontroller encrypts the message using RSA.
3	Display encrypted message	User A's OLED screen shows the encrypted message.
4	Simulated transmission	The encrypted message is fed for decryption.
5	RISC-V decrypts message	The microcontroller decrypts the message using a different key.
6	Display decrypted message	User B's OLED screen displays the decrypted message.

User Switch: Users take turns sending and receiving encrypted messages using the same process.

Components

Component	Quantity
VSD Squadron Mini development board with CH32V003F4U6 chip with 32-bit RISC-V core based on RV32EC instruction set	1
4x4 Matrix Keypad Membrane Switch	1
0.96 Inch I2C/IIC 4-Pin OLED Display Module	2
Mini Breadboard	2
Jumper Cables	10

Circuit Connection Diagram

Table for Pin Connections

Membrane keypad	VSD Squadron mini
R1	PC6
R2	PC5
R3	PC4
R4	PC3
C1	PC2
C2	PC1
C3	PC0
C4	PD0

OLED display 1	VSD Squadron mini
VCC	VCC
GND	GND
SCL	PD2
SDA	PD4

OLED display 2	VSD Squadron mini
VCC	VCC
GND	GND
SCL	PD1
SDA	PD3