Duplicated Digital Circuitry for Fault-Resistant Random Number Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face challenges in providing fault resistance for true random number generators, as duplicating these systems to detect faults is difficult due to differing outputs during correct operation, which can mask actual faults.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising analogue and duplicated digital circuitry with entropy checking and difference detection mechanisms to ensure fault resistance, where the analogue circuitry provides a random output used by both digital circuitry to generate true random numbers, and difference detection circuitry identifies any operational discrepancies between the duplicated digital components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If true random number generators are duplicated to detect faults, then fault resistance should improve, but the duplicated generators produce different outputs even when working correctly, making fault detection unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The random number generation system is segmented into two independent chains: a first chain and a second chain. Each chain processes entropy from the same entropy source through separate digital circuitry, producing separate random number sequences. This segmentation allows independent verification of each chain's operation while maintaining the true random properties of the output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing the outputs of the first and second random number generation chains. The difference detection circuit continuously monitors whether both chains produce identical random numbers from the same entropy source. When a discrepancy is detected, it indicates a potential fault in one of the chains, triggering appropriate error handling. This feedback mechanism enables reliable fault detection without compromising the randomness of the generated numbers.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus comprising analogue circuitry comprising an entropy source, the entropy source being configured to provide a random output. The apparatus comprises first digital circuitry to receive the output of the entropy source and, based on said output, generate random numbers, and second digital circuitry to receive the output of the entropy source and, based on said output, generate random numbers, the second digital circuitry being a duplicate of the first digital circuitry. The apparatus comprises difference detection circuitry to determine a difference of operation between the first digital circuitry and the second digital circuitry. Each of the first digital circuitry and the second digital circuitry comprises entropy checking circuitry to check the entropy of the output of the entropy source.