Chaotic Oscillator Random Number Generator for High Entropy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generators for cryptographic applications often fail to achieve high entropy, which is crucial for security, as attackers can potentially guess sequences of random numbers.
Innovation Solution
A random number generator using an oscillator arrangement with two oscillators of different speeds, where transitions between speeds are counted to generate a random number stream, effectively extracting the maximum entropy from a chaotic oscillator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional random number generator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the entropy of the generated random number sequence is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a chaotic oscillator whose oscillation frequency dynamically switches between two speeds based on its internal state. This dynamic behavior creates unpredictable timing intervals that are counted to generate high-entropy random numbers, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high entropy by introducing controlled dynamism into an otherwise straightforward counting mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator's frequency parameter is changed between two distinct values (first oscillation speed and second oscillation speed) based on its output state. This parameter switching creates variable timing characteristics that enhance entropy, allowing the system to maintain structural simplicity while achieving high reliability through parameter variation
2Productivity
If the oscillation speed is increased to generate more random numbers, then the productivity increases, but the entropy may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic oscillation with two distinct speeds, where the oscillator alternates between fast and slow phases. The counter captures the number of cycles in each phase, and this periodic structure with variable periods ensures both high generation rate and high entropy, as the unpredictable distribution of cycle counts maintains security while enabling rapid output
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a random number generator is provided including an oscillator arrangement including a first oscillator and a second oscillator. The oscillator arrangement is configured such that a predetermined output state of the second oscillator triggers a transition of the first oscillator from a first oscillation speed to a second oscillation speed and a predetermined output state of the first oscillator triggers a transition of the first oscillator from the second oscillation speed to the first oscillation speed. The random number generator may further include a counter circuit configured to count the number of clock cycles of at least one of the first oscillator or the second oscillator between two transitions of the first oscillator from the first oscillation speed to the second oscillation speed and an output circuit configured to output a random number based on the counted number of clock cycles.