Alpha Particle Random Sequence Generation in Memory Cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in generating true random numbers, as conventional pseudo-random sequence generators are predictable and reproducible, lacking the unpredictability and irreproducibility required for secure cryptographic applications.
Innovation Solution
A device for random data generation using alpha particle emissions, comprising memory cells sensitive to alpha particles, an alpha particle emitter proximate to the memory cells, and read circuitry to periodically read and change the state of the memory cells, producing a true random sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pseudo-random sequence generators are used in integrated circuits, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but true randomness and unpredictability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
An alpha particle emitter is introduced as an intermediary component between the power source and memory cells. The emitter generates alpha particles that randomly flip memory cell states, providing true randomness without requiring complex software-based pseudo-random generation algorithms. This physical intermediary converts radioactive decay randomness into digital random sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based pseudo-random generation with a physics-based system using alpha particle emission. Instead of using computational algorithms that generate deterministic sequences, the system uses natural radioactive decay processes to physically flip memory cell states, substituting mechanical/computational randomness with quantum-level physical randomness.
2Reliability
If alpha particle emitter is added to integrated circuit, then true random number generation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the random generation function into a dedicated alpha particle emitter module and memory cell array. The emitter is positioned adjacent to specific memory cells, creating a modular configuration where the random generation component can be independently designed, tested, and integrated without redesigning the entire circuit. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing specialized fabrication processes for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of memory cells to increase their sensitivity to alpha particle effects. By adjusting transistor dimensions, threshold voltages, and charge storage capacities, the memory cells become more responsive to alpha-induced charge deposition, enabling reliable random state changes at lower alpha particle flux levels and reducing the complexity of the emitter design.
3Reliability
If memory cells are made sensitive to alpha particles, then random state changes are achieved, but device reliability under normal operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies alpha sensitivity selectively to specific memory cells designated for random number generation, while other memory cells in the circuit maintain their normal operational characteristics. The alpha particle emitter is positioned to irradiate only a dedicated subset of memory cells, creating local quality differentiation where only the required cells exhibit enhanced alpha sensitivity, preserving overall device reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the random generation function into a separate memory cell array that is physically or logically isolated from the main computational memory. By taking out the alpha-sensitive memory cells from the general-purpose memory system, the patent ensures that alpha-induced bit flips affect only the random number generation pool, preventing corruption of operational data and maintaining system reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable means for true random number generation in integrated circuits, enhancing security and cryptographic applications by leveraging the unpredictable nature of alpha particle-induced state changes in memory cells.
Implementation Method 1
An alpha particle emitter is provided in an integrated circuit package for changing state one or more bits of memory cells within a period of time
Implementation Method 2
memory cells sensitive to alpha particle emissions... alpha particle emitter is proximate to the memory cells for changing state of one or more bits
Data Source
AI summary
Generation of a random sequence using alpha particle emissions is described. A device includes memory cells, an alpha particle emitter, and read circuitry. The memory cells are sensitive to alpha particle emissions. The alpha particle emitter is proximate to the memory cells for changing state of one or more bits of the memory cells within a period of time. The read circuitry is coupled to the memory cells and configured to periodically issue a read command to periodically read the memory cells.