PQShield released a technical update to its PQMicroLib-Core library, achieving a memory footprint of less than 5KB of RAM. Unveiled at Embedded World 2026 in Nuremberg, this implementation targets memory-constrained embedded devices such as medical wearables, payment terminals, and industrial control systems. The library provides production-ready support for NIST-standardized algorithms, including ML-KEM (FIPS 203) and ML-DSA (FIPS 204), allowing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to operate within the 8-10KB RAM budgets typical of secure boot processes.
The update includes a full-stack, drop-in PQC solution for Transport Layer Security (TLS) compatible with the PSA Certified Crypto API. This integration facilitates quantum-secure communication between connected devices and cloud infrastructure using standardized, portable APIs. To address the physical vulnerabilities introduced by larger PQC keys, the software includes integrated countermeasures against Differential Power Analysis (DPA) and fault injection, enabling side-channel resistance on devices lacking hardware-based cryptographic accelerators.
This software-based approach enables the migration of approximately 20 billion “brownfield” devices currently in the field to quantum-resistant standards without requiring hardware replacements. PQShield is collaborating with semiconductor manufacturers including STMicroelectronics, Microchip Technologies, and Lattice Semiconductor to integrate these implementations into existing and future silicon designs. The release follows the initial introduction of the company’s UltraPQ Suite, which established the framework for specialized cryptographic tools in resource-limited environments.
For technical specifications and evaluation details, consult the official PQShield product page here, and see our previous coverage on the launch of the UltraPQ Suite here.
March 9, 2026
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