QxEmulator
Overview
QxEmulator is a software tool that emulates the Crypto4A QxHSM environment, enabling developers and engineers to design, integrate, and test post-quantum cryptography applications without access to physical hardware. It provides a consistent, virtualised HSM experience that mirrors the QxHSM API and behaviour, accelerating development cycles and reducing the cost of PQC integration projects.
Unsung supports QxEmulator adoption as part of broader post-quantum cryptography readiness engagements, helping UK organisations begin PQC application development and testing ahead of physical HSM deployment.
The Challenge
Organisations preparing for post-quantum cryptography transitions need to develop and test applications against quantum-safe HSM interfaces before committing to physical hardware procurement and deployment. Without access to a development environment that accurately represents the target HSM platform, teams cannot validate their integration work, test PQC algorithm support, or build confidence in their migration approach.
Physical HSM hardware is expensive and may not be available in sufficient quantities for every development and test environment. A software-based emulation that faithfully represents the HSM’s capabilities allows development teams to begin integration work immediately and progress to physical hardware deployment with confidence.
What It Does
QxEmulator provides a virtualised representation of the QxHSM environment, supporting the same API and cryptographic operations including NIST-approved post-quantum algorithms. Developers can use it to build and test PQC-enabled applications, validate partner integrations, and verify that their code works correctly with quantum-safe cryptographic operations before deploying against physical QxHSM or QxEDGE hardware.
The emulator is designed for use in development, staging, and continuous integration environments, enabling teams to include quantum-safe HSM testing in their standard development workflows without the cost and logistics of provisioning physical hardware for every environment.
How Unsung Helps
Unsung incorporates QxEmulator into post-quantum cryptography readiness engagements, helping clients establish development and testing environments that support PQC integration work. Our PKI Consultancy service provides guidance on PQC migration planning, including the role of emulation in de-risking the transition to quantum-safe cryptographic infrastructure.
Related Unsung Services
PKI Consultancy — Post-quantum cryptography strategy, migration planning, and readiness assessment.
Hardware Security Modules — HSM selection, deployment, and integration including quantum-safe platforms.
PKI Design & Build — Design and implementation of quantum-ready PKI and cryptographic architectures.
