Dual-Mode Generator Circuit for Random Number Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generators are complex, occupy significant area, and are not readily portable across different process geometries, making them impractical for many applications and requiring redesign as process geometries shrink.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism where generator circuits can operate as either oscillators or state retention elements based on a control signal, leveraging timing jitter and supply voltage noise to generate random numbers, with the same component serving as both noise source and sampler, enhancing entropy and randomness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional TRNG circuits using latches or oscillators are used, then random number generation quality is improved, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as an oscillator during the first time period to generate random signals, and as a state retention element during the second time period to hold the generated random value. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate oscillator and latch circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining random number generation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator circuit dynamically switches between two operating modes based on a control signal. During the first time period, it operates in oscillator mode to generate random numbers; during the second time period, it transitions to state retention mode to hold the generated value. This dynamic switching allows a single circuit to replace multiple static components, reducing overall circuit complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional TRNG circuits are used, then random number generation quality is improved, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator circuit serves dual purposes as both an oscillator and a state retention element. By integrating these two functions into a single circuit block, the physical area required is significantly reduced compared to traditional designs that use separate oscillator and latch circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the oscillator function and the state retention function into a single generator circuit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate circuit blocks, thereby reducing the total area occupied while maintaining the quality of random number generation.
3Reliability
If analog circuits are included in TRNG design, then random number generation quality is improved, but layout constraints and portability across process geometries worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional analog noise-based oscillator circuits with a digital-like generator circuit that uses controlled oscillation and state retention. This substitution reduces dependence on analog layout constraints and process-specific noise characteristics, improving portability across different process geometries while maintaining random number generation quality.
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
This approach results in a simple, efficient, and scalable method for generating high-quality random numbers with higher entropy, reducing complexity and layout constraints, making it suitable for various applications across different process geometries.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging timing jitter and supply voltage noise to generate random numbers
Implementation Method 2
leveraging timing jitter and supply voltage noise to generate random numbers
Implementation Method 3
on a transition of the input control signal from said set level to said clear level each said at least one generator circuit being configured to capture within the state retention element a current value of the oscillator
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for generating a random number are provided, the apparatus having at least one generator circuit, each generator circuit being configured to provide a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in the first operating mode each generator circuit operating as an oscillator, and in the second operating mode each generator circuit operating as a state retention element. A control signal generator then generates a control signal for input to each generator circuit. Each generator circuit is responsive to the input control signal being at a set level to operate in the first operating mode, and is responsive to the input control signal being at a clear level to operate in the second operating mode. On a transition of the input control signal from the set level to the clear level, each generator circuit is configured to capture within the state retention element a current value of the oscillator, and to output that current value to form at least part of the random number. Such an approach provides a particularly simple, efficient and low area apparatus for generating a random number.