• Trezor, a Prague-based Bitcoin hardware company, has taken control of its silicon chip supply chain.
• The new chip wrapper improves device security and shortens lead times for mass production.
• SatoshiLabs also announced the development of an open-source chip for usage in Bitcoin hardware.
Trezor Takes Control of Silicon Chip Supply Chain
Trezor, a Prague-based Bitcoin hardware company, has announced that it has taken control of its silicon chip supply chain by facilitating the manufacture of its own key component, the chip wrapper, for its flagship product, the Trezor Model T. This move improves device security and significantly shortens lead times for mass production.
Device Security Improved
The new chip wrapper enhances device security and provides more design freedom for future products. Štěpán Uherik, CFO at Trezor commented that “The twists and turns in demand for hardware wallets and the silicon supply chain disruption that we’ve seen over the past few years was a problem that we needed to solve”. He added that “By unpacking the process, identifying areas where we could take control, and collaborating with our partners in new ways, we’ve managed to make the manufacturing as agile as it can be.”
Open Source Chip Development
SatoshiLabs also announced last year the development of an open-source chip for usage in Bitcoin hardware. The initial testing on this first chip called TROPIC01 has recently been completed with expectations of continued testing throughout 2023.
Leadership Sustained in Market
With improved device security and shorter lead times for mass production thanks to this move by Trezor, they will be able to maintain their leadership position within the increasingly competitive hardware wallet space.
Confidence Increased
Securely controlling their own silicon chips gives Trezor greater confidence in their ability to continue producing quality products despite geopolitical pressure on their supply chain.