Metastable Seed Random Number Generator for Non-Periodic Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional random number generators used in security systems suffer from performance degradation due to mismatches and fail to generate perfect, unpredictable random numbers without periodicity, which is crucial for secure encryption and decryption processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a random number generator that includes a signal generator producing oscillating signals with varying peak-to-peak voltage and metastable seed signals, along with a sampling unit that detects logic values synchronized with an out-of-phase clock signal, utilizing a ring oscillator and inverting logic circuits to enhance randomness and unpredictability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional random number generators use thermal noise or shot noise as noise sources, then random numbers can be generated, but performance degrades due to mismatches and periodicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the noise source from thermal/shot noise to metastable state transitions. By utilizing the inherent unpredictability of metastable seed signal transitions and ring oscillator phase variations, the system generates random numbers without suffering from mismatch degradation, thereby improving reliability while avoiding the complexity of compensating for mismatches
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to eliminate mismatches in conventional noise-based generators, the patent inverts the approach by using metastable states - conditions that are inherently sensitive to small variations and thus naturally produce unpredictable transitions. This inversion transforms the mismatch problem into a useful source of randomness
2Reliability
If ring oscillators are used to generate clock signals with irregular periods, then random numbers can be generated, but mismatches cause performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metastable seed signal as an intermediary between the clock signal and the ring oscillator. This metastable signal acts as a mediator that initializes the oscillator in an unpredictable state, ensuring that each oscillation cycle starts from a random condition rather than relying on irregular periods alone, thereby improving unpredictability while maintaining controlled 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 approach improves the non-periodicity and unpredictability of generated random numbers, reducing the impact of mismatches and enhancing the performance of security systems by producing more reliable random number generators for encryption purposes.
Implementation Method 1
the signal generator may be configured to generate the metastable seed signal using an inverting logic circuit having an input and an output electrically connected together
Data Source
AI summary
A random number generator includes a signal generator and a sampling unit. The signal generator is configured to generate an alternating sequence of metastable seed signals and oscillating signals during respective first and second half-periods of a clock signal. The oscillating signals having respective phases determined by corresponding ones of the metastable seed signals in the alternating sequence. The sampling unit is configured to detect a logic value of each consecutive oscillating signal during a portion of a respective half-period of the clock signal. The signal generator may be responsive to the clock signal and the sampling unit may be responsive to a delayed version of the clock signal.