MKA Stack

The MKA Stack is the core protocol component of our MKA solution. It implements MKA protocol handling and connects to MACsec-capable PHY or system drivers through hardware abstraction and backend interfaces. It can be used to establish secure channels between Ethernet nodes and a switch. The implementation is written in C and also includes a Python wrapper.

The MKA implementation is based on IEEE 802.1X and the OPEN Alliance TC17 MACsec Automotive Profile. The software solution works out-of-the-box with our 100/1000BASE-T1 Media Converter v2 (H-MTD and MATEnet variants), allowing to run MKA on a host system that controls the MACsec PHY of the media converter. For other devices, the layered architecture can be adapted to the required platform, driver, transport, and control interface. This allows the MKA stack to control any MACsec-capable PHY or peripheral.

MKA Stack provides the core runtime used by MKA Tester. For GUI-based bring-up, host-side monitoring, and peer validation workflows, see the MKA Tester product page.

Features

  • C-language implementation of MKA based on IEEE 802.1X and the OPEN Alliance TC17 MACsec Automotive Profile
  • Native C implementation developed with MISRA C:2012-conscious coding practices
  • Ready device control integration for supported MACH SYSTEMS devices
  • Layered architecture for adaptation to custom or third-party devices
  • Hardware abstraction layer for connection to MACsec-capable PHYs and platform drivers
  • Public C runtime API for lifecycle control and runtime configuration
  • Python wrapper for runtime control, configuration loading, observer events, and direct Python-based device integration
  • Native C and Python-based control backends
  • USB and CAN(/FD)-based control backend support
  • Observer-based diagnostics for structured status and event reporting
  • Support for Linux, Windows, and embedded platforms
  • Example application and integration documentation

Integration with Custom or Third-party Devices

The runtime is implemented in C and structured in layers. Customers can adapt the stack to device-specific drivers, transports, and control interfaces while reusing the shared MKA logic, runtime configuration model, and control API structure. A wrapper for Python language is also available.

Platform Support

  • Linux
  • Windows
  • MCU (such as STM32)
  • Portable onto any customer platform

Typical Applications

  • Use with our H-MTD or MATEnet media converters through the ready device control path
  • Validation of peer-device behaviour in supported MKA scenarios
  • Debugging and testing of secure Ethernet communication

Ordering Information

P/N: MACH-MKATESTER

See also MKA Tester page.

Licensing

Perpetual, per-site license. One license is required for each company location where the software is used.
For integration support or project-specific customization, please contact us.