Keysight Unveils Glitch Amplifier to Advance Embedded Device Security

As the complexity and performance of embedded systems continue to rise, particularly in AI, high-performance computing, and critical infrastructure, so does the need for more sophisticated testing tools. Recognizing this, Keysight announced the release of the DS1142A 30A Glitch Amplifier, a new solution designed to push the boundaries of power fault injection testing.

This latest addition to Keysight’s hardware security portfolio aims to help engineers and security professionals identify vulnerabilities in chips and systems before they can be exploited. By delivering precise, high-current glitching capabilities, the Glitch Amplifier enables rigorous, real-world testing of how devices respond to power anomalies, a common attack vector for adversaries seeking to bypass embedded defenses.

The Glitch Amplifier is engineered with next-generation systems in mind. It supports up to 30 amps of current and a voltage range of -4V to +12V, making it well-suited for testing modern chips that operate at higher power levels than previous generations. These features make it particularly valuable for applications in AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing, where power consumption and sensitivity to voltage changes are both elevated.

"Next-generation technology demands more from testing tools," said Marc Witteman, Technical Director at Keysight. “The new glitch amplifier provides the flexibility and precision engineers across industries need to efficiently secure innovation.”

Power fault injection, a technique for testing that deliberately introduces sudden power interruptions or voltage fluctuations to observe how devices respond, has become a cornerstone of modern hardware security evaluation. The Glitch Amplifier enables testers to perform more nuanced and accurate fault injection campaigns, simulating attacks that might be used in the wild to corrupt memory, access protected data, or bypass security mechanisms.

The Glitch Amplifier seamlessly integrates with the DS1180A Glitch Pattern Generator, and Inspector Software for a unified and automated fault injection testing environment. This comprehensive setup enables precise and customizable fault injection campaigns, while capturing high-resolution measurements of the device’s response. The data is then processed and analyzed through Inspector Software, which provides a centralized interface for real-time test control, visualization, and insights. Together, the DS1050A Next-Generation Embedded Security Testbench, DS1180A Glitch Pattern Generator, and Inspector Software provide a unified and automated fault injection testing environment. This comprehensive setup enables precise and customizable fault injection campaigns, while capturing high-resolution measurements of the device’s response. The integrated approach enables security researchers and engineers to conduct realistic, in-depth testing with greater efficiency.

The amplifier is tailored for use across a variety of sectors where device security is critical. In the semiconductor industry, it helps validate the security and integrity of chips. In automotive, it supports the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. Government and defense agencies can use the tool to verify the robustness of national security and defense technologies, while IoT and data center engineers can identify and harden weak points in devices before deployment.

With the Glitch Amplifier, Keysight is setting a new benchmark for hardware security testing, ensuring that as embedded systems evolve, the tools used to secure them do too.

For technical details download the Glitch Amplifier data sheet.

The DS1142A 30A Glitch Amplifier integrates seamlessly with an embedded security test bench, Inspector Software, and the Glitch Pattern Generator for a consolidated, efficient testing setup.