America's Chiplet Strategy Gets a Trust Upgrade with AuthenTree

AuthenTree's distributed trust model may help secure multi-vendor chiplets and strengthen US chip supply chains under the CHIPS Act.

19 Aug 2025

A new security framework from US researchers is seeking to address vulnerabilities in chiplet-based semiconductors, as Washington accelerates its technology strategy under the CHIPS Act.

The approach, called AuthenTree, was developed by academics at the University of Central Florida. It proposes a method of distributing trust across chip components rather than relying on a central authority, a common weakness in current systems.

Chiplets, modular blocks of silicon that can be combined to create custom processors, are becoming central to advanced computing. Their multi-vendor integration, however, poses fresh risks. A paper on the AuthenTree framework, published on preprint server arXiv, outlines how each chiplet can act as part of a hierarchy of root-of-trust anchors, collectively authenticating the system.

By removing a single point of failure, the researchers argue, AuthenTree makes it harder for attackers to compromise hardware. The model also allows components from different suppliers to communicate securely without reliance on a single gatekeeper.

Analysts say this could broaden participation in the chiplet ecosystem, opening space for smaller hardware makers and diversifying supply chains. Both are central aims of US semiconductor policy, which is seeking to reduce reliance on concentrated global suppliers.

Industry groups have already begun work on interoperability standards for chiplets. AuthenTree, if adopted, could complement these efforts by embedding security features directly into system architecture. This would mark a shift away from retrofitting defences after design.

Significant hurdles remain. Supply chain frameworks and design tools will need adaptation to accommodate distributed trust. Standardisation bodies would also have to incorporate new authentication methods to ensure industry-wide compatibility.

Despite these challenges, early interest suggests AuthenTree may become a reference point for secure modular computing. As competition in advanced semiconductors intensifies, Washington is expected to welcome innovations that strengthen both resilience and trust in critical hardware systems.