Faulty Cat

Description

Faulty Cat 2.2 is a portable hardware auditing tool for authorised security engagements involving embedded devices. It supports electromagnetic fault injection and voltage glitching, helping security teams assess how a target responds to controlled electrical faults. Use only on equipment you own or have explicit permission to test. Faulty Cat is developed as an open-source hardware security research platform.

Key features

• Electromagnetic fault injection: delivers controlled electromagnetic faults for embedded-device research.
• Voltage glitching: supports voltage fault injection alongside EMFI.
• Dedicated trigger pins: supports externally triggered operations through the updated pinout.
• Voltage reference triggering: can use a voltage reference to improve trigger response during voltage-glitching work.
• SWD pinout scanning: the firmware documentation lists an SWD pinout scanner for hardware research.
• Open-source platform: hardware design, firmware and host-tool resources are published in separate repositories.

Technical details

• Faulty Cat hardware version 2.x uses an RP2040 microcontroller.
• Production hardware version 2.2 is documented by the project maintainers.
• Version 2.1 and 2.2 hardware use the same electrical nets, with silkscreen labelling differences documented by the project.
• The unit has a 3xAA battery holder and can also be powered through USB.

Compatibility and setup

The project provides firmware resources and a Python host command-line or terminal user interface. The host tools include installation guidance for Linux, Windows and macOS, while firmware documentation covers updating and flashing. A USB connection is required for host control or USB power. The supplied inductor tip and USB-C cable are included with the product listing.

Buying in the UK and EU

Prices may be displayed in GBP, EUR or USD, with VAT handled at checkout.

Review applicable electrical-safety requirements and laws before use. Conduct testing only with explicit authorisation, and follow the project’s published safety documentation when working with high-voltage fault-injection hardware.