Entropy Source Power Control via Feedback Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generators that use metastable elements for entropy sources often consume excessive electrical power due to continuous operation within deterministic feedback loops, which is inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A random number generator circuit design that includes a deterministic feedback circuit with pre-delay and post-delay feedback paths to power the entropy source only when necessary, coupled with a stochastic feedback circuit to adjust drive strength, reducing power consumption by limiting operation to less than half of the cycle duration and using adjustable pulse widths for feedback signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entropy source operates continuously within the deterministic feedback loop, then random number generation can proceed without interruption, but electrical power consumption becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The entropy source is activated periodically through a pulse signal generated by the one-shot circuit, rather than operating continuously. The pulse width is controlled to be less than half of the deterministic feedback loop cycle, creating periodic operation that reduces power consumption while maintaining random number generation capability through the feedback mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
A deterministic feedback loop is implemented that includes delay elements and logic circuits to detect when random bits have been generated. This feedback mechanism ensures that the entropy source operates only when necessary, activating it periodically to generate new entropy values while maintaining continuous random number generation capability through the feedback-controlled activation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the entropy source is powered off to reduce power consumption, then electrical power usage decreases, but random number generation may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The deterministic feedback loop continuously monitors the random number generation state and provides feedback signals to the entropy source control. When random bits are generated and registered, the feedback mechanism triggers a new activation pulse, ensuring continuous random number generation capability while maintaining the power-saving off state between activations
Solution Approach 2:
The one-shot circuit generates a predetermined pulse width signal that activates the entropy source for a specific duration before the deterministic feedback loop completes its cycle. This preliminary action ensures the entropy source is activated just long enough to generate necessary entropy without remaining powered on unnecessarily
3Reliability
If the deterministic feedback loop operates at full cycle duration, then random bit registration is ensured, but power consumption increases due to extended operation
Solution Approach 1:
The entropy source is activated for a pulse width that is less than the full deterministic feedback loop cycle duration (specifically less than half the cycle). This partial action is sufficient to generate the necessary entropy for random bit registration while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from full-cycle activation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulsing of the entropy source synchronized with the deterministic feedback loop cycle. The pulse width is optimized to provide sufficient activation time for reliable random bit generation while maintaining periodic operation that reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous or full-cycle operation
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 design significantly reduces electrical power consumption by powering the entropy source for minimal durations and optimizing feedback signal adjustments, enhancing efficiency and reducing power usage while maintaining entropy quality.
Implementation Method 1
Some random number generators use an entropy source based on a metastable element to generate a random output value. The metastable element may be embedded in a feedback loop that contains deterministic and stochastic feedback mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include apparatuses, methods, and systems for a random number generator that includes an entropy source. The entropy source may be coupled to a deterministic feedback circuit and a stochastic feedback circuit. The deterministic feedback circuit may include detection logic to detect when a bit of the output signal of the entropy source has registered, a pre-delay feedback path to cause the entropy source to power off responsive to the detection, and a post-delay feedback path to cause the entropy source to power on, after the entropy source is powered off, to generate a second bit of the output signal. The post-delay feedback path may include one or more delay cells that are bypassed by the pre-delay feedback path. Other circuits and techniques related to random number generators are also described. Further embodiments may be described and/or claimed.