The Rise of High-Assurance IoT Security: Keysight and Silicon Labs Set a New Benchmark with PSA Level 4 Certification

In an era where the Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding into critical infrastructure, healthcare, and industrial systems, the demand for unassailable security has never been higher. The recent achievement of PSA Certified Level 4 certification by Silicon Labs' Series 3 Secure Vault on the SiXG301 SoC, validated by Keysight Technologies, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of IoT security. This collaboration not only redefines the standards for device resilience but also positions both companies as strategic leaders in a market poised for explosive growth.

The Strategic Value of PSA Level 4 Certification

PSA Certified Level 4 is the highest tier in the PSA Certified framework, designed to validate a device's ability to withstand advanced physical and software attacks. These include laser fault injection, side-channel power analysis, and electromagnetic fault injection—threats that were once theoretical but are now increasingly weaponized in real-world scenarios. For companies like Silicon Labs and Keysight, achieving this certification is more than a technical milestone; it's a strategic differentiator in a market where trust is the ultimate currency.

The certification's relevance is amplified by the regulatory landscape. The EU's Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), effective in 2025, mandate security-by-design principles and post-market monitoring. PSA Level 4 provides a clear, globally recognized benchmark for compliance, enabling manufacturers to accelerate time-to-market while meeting stringent regulatory expectations. For Silicon Labs, this certification solidifies its position as a pioneer in secure IoT solutions, while Keysight's role as a trusted test lab reinforces its leadership in security validation.

Keysight and Silicon Labs: A Synergy of Expertise

Keysight's involvement in the certification process was instrumental. As an authorized PSA Certified Test Lab, Keysight employed advanced methodologies such as side-channel analysis and fault injection to rigorously evaluate the SiXG301 SoC. Marc Witteman, Keysight's Technical Director of Device Security Testing, emphasized that the collaboration pushed the boundaries of security testing, enabling Silicon Labs to surpass its initial goal of PSA Level 3 and achieve the highest assurance level. This partnership highlights Keysight's value as a critical enabler of security innovation, offering not just testing but strategic guidance to help clients navigate complex certification processes.

For Silicon Labs, the certification is a testament to its long-term commitment to security-first design. The SiXG301 SoC, built on a 22 nm process node, is engineered for a decade of field deployment, with features like secure boot, tamper protection, and over-the-air firmware updates. These capabilities align with the growing demand for secure, future-proof solutions in industrial automation, medical devices, and critical infrastructure—markets where security is non-negotiable.

Financial and Market Implications

The global IoT security market is projected to grow from $11.36 billion in 2025 to $35.99 billion by 2029, driven by regulatory mandates, AI adoption, and the proliferation of connected devices. Silicon Labs and Keysight are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth.

Silicon Labs' Q2 2025 results, which showed a 33% year-over-year revenue increase and a narrowing net loss, suggest that its security-focused strategy is gaining traction. The company's ability to offer PSA Level 4-certified solutions in high-margin markets like industrial IoT and medical devices provides a defensible moat against commoditization. Meanwhile, Keysight's role in security testing is likely to drive demand for its services as more companies seek to meet regulatory requirements. While Keysight's IoT-specific revenue figures are not disclosed, its broader Communications Solutions Group (CSG) and Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (EISG) segments are expected to benefit from the rising demand for security validation.

Investment Considerations

For investors, the strategic alignment of Keysight and Silicon Labs with PSA Level 4 certification offers compelling opportunities. Silicon Labs' leadership in secure IoT solutions positions it to capture market share in regulated sectors, where pricing power and customer loyalty are strong. Keysight, on the other hand, is leveraging its expertise in security testing to become an indispensable partner for semiconductor and IoT manufacturers navigating complex regulatory environments.

However, risks remain. The IoT security market is highly competitive, with players like Infineon and STMicroelectronics also pursuing PSA Level 4 certification. Additionally, the pace of regulatory adoption varies by region, which could create short-term volatility. Investors should monitor key metrics such as Silicon Labs' gross margin expansion and Keysight's revenue growth in its security-related services.

Conclusion

The achievement of PSA Level 4 certification by Silicon Labs and Keysight is more than a technical feat—it's a strategic milestone that underscores the growing importance of security in the IoT ecosystem. As regulatory demands intensify and cyber threats evolve, companies that prioritize security-by-design will emerge as leaders. For investors, this presents an opportunity to back firms that are not only innovating at the edge of technology but also shaping the standards that will define the next decade of connected systems. In a world where trust is the new infrastructure, Keysight and Silicon Labs are setting the bar—and the market is watching.