FPGA Implementation of the “PYRAMIDS“ Block Cipher

Authors: A. AlKalbany, H. Al hassan, M. Saeb

Abstract:

The “PYRAMIDS" Block Cipher is a symmetric encryption algorithm of a 64, 128, 256-bit length, that accepts a variable key length of 128, 192, 256 bits. The algorithm is an iterated cipher consisting of repeated applications of a simple round transformation with different operations and different sequence in each round. The algorithm was previously software implemented in Cµ code. In this paper, a hardware implementation of the algorithm, using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), is presented. In this work, we discuss the algorithm, the implemented micro-architecture, and the simulation and implementation results. Moreover, we present a detailed comparison with other implemented standard algorithms. In addition, we include the floor plan as well as the circuit diagrams of the various micro-architecture modules.

Keywords: FPGA, VHDL, micro-architecture, encryption, cryptography, algorithm, data communication security.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1334920

References:

[1] H. Al Hassan, Ph. Thesis, Cairo University, in progress, expected 2005.
[2] M. Saeb, A. Zewail, A. Seif, "A Micro-architecture Implementation of YAEA Encryption Algorithm Utilizing VHDL and FPGA Technology," Third International Conference on Electrical Engineering, ICEENG, Military Technical College, Egypt, 2002.
[3] S. Trimberger, R. Pang, A. Singh, "A 12 Gbps DES Encryptor/Decryptor Core in FPGA," Lecture Notes on Computer Science, pp. 156-163, Springer-Verlag, 2000.
[4] J. Goodman, A. Chandrakasan, "Energy-Efficient Reconfigurable Public- Key Cryptography Processor Architecture," Lecture Notes on Computer Science, pp. 175-190, Springer-Verlag, 2000.
[5] Dandalis, V. K. Prasanna, J.D. P. Rolin, "A Comparative Study of Performance of AES Final Candidates Using FPGAs," Lecture Notes on Computer Science, pp. 125-140, Springer-Verlag, 2000.
[6] C. Patterson, "A Dynamic FPGA Implementation of the Serpent Block Cipher," Lecture Notes on Computer Science, pp. 141-155, Springer-Verlag, 2000.