Inverse Post-Processing Circuit for Random Number Entropy Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the entropy of a random number sequence, particularly in cryptographic applications, face challenges due to the introduction of pseudo-randomness by post-processing algorithms, making direct entropy testing impractical and often resulting in pessimistic entropy estimates.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement comprising a random source, a post-processing circuit, an inverse post-processing circuit, and an entropy checker, where the inverse post-processing circuit removes pseudo-randomness introduced by the post-processing, allowing for direct entropy testing with reduced data depth and enabling online noise source failure and integrity testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If post-processing algorithms are applied to generate random number sequences, then the security and quality of random numbers are improved, but the entropy testing becomes impractical and results in pessimistic estimates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inverse post-processing circuit as an intermediary component that receives the post-processed random number sequence and applies the inverse transformation to generate a processed random number sequence. This intermediary allows the entropy checker to measure entropy on the processed sequence (which reflects the original random source) rather than the post-processed sequence (which contains artificial pseudo-randomness), thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining security through post-processing and enabling accurate entropy measurement.
2Ease of operation
If direct entropy testing is performed on post-processed random number sequences, then the testing process is simple, but the entropy estimates are pessimistic and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by using an inverse post-processing circuit that reverses the original post-processing transformation. Instead of testing the entropy of the post-processed sequence directly (which yields pessimistic estimates), the system inverts the post-processing to obtain the processed random number sequence that truly represents the entropy of the random source. This inversion enables accurate entropy measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
3Reliability
If post-processing is applied to the random input sequence, then the random number sequence quality is improved, but the data depth required for entropy testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the entropy measurement function from the post-processed sequence and applies it to the processed sequence generated by the inverse post-processing circuit. By taking out the entropy testing from the post-processed domain and applying it to the original random source domain (through inversion), the system eliminates the need for excessive data depth that would be required to compensate for the pseudo-randomness introduced by post-processing algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an arrangement for checking the entropy of a random number sequence is described including a random source configured to provide a random input sequence, a post-processing circuit configured to receive the random input sequence and to generate a random number sequence from the random input sequence by performing a post-processing and a decimation of the random input sequence, an inverse post-processing circuit configured to receive the random number sequence from the post-processing circuit and to generate a processed random number sequence by a processing of the random number sequence that is inverse to the post-processing performed by the post-processing circuit, and an entropy checker configured to check the entropy of the random number sequence based on the processed random number sequence.