Enhancing Field Multiplication in IoT Nodes with Limited Resources: A Low-Complexity Systolic Array Solution

Security and privacy concerns pose significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of IoT technology. One potential solution to address these concerns is the implementation of cryptographic protocols on resource-constrained IoT edge nodes. However, the limited resources available on these nodes make it challenging to effectively deploy such protocols. In cryptographic systems, finite-field multiplication plays a pivotal role, with its efficiency directly impacting overall performance. To tackle these challenges, we propose an innovative and compact bit-serial systolic layout specifically designed for Montgomery multiplication in the binary-extended field. This novel multiplier structure boasts regular cell architectures and localized communication connections, making it particularly well suited for VLSI implementation. Through a comprehensive complexity analysis, our suggested design demonstrates significant improvements in both area and area–time complexities when compared to existing competitive bit-serial multiplier structures. This makes it an ideal choice for cryptographic systems operating under strict area utilization constraints, such as resource-constrained IoT nodes and tiny embedded devices.