Atmospheric Pressure Air Microplasma True Random Bit Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current true random bit generation methods for cryptographic systems rely on software algorithms, hardwired electronic circuitry, or optical sources, which are either not truly random, vulnerable to attacks, or require complex and costly optoelectronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A True Random Bit Generator using an atmospheric pressure air microplasma system as a physical source of entropy, comprising plasma electrodes, a power supply module, and a data acquisition board to generate binary sequences directly from electrical current-time series data without the need for digital post-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software-based computational algorithms or hardwired electronic circuitry are used for random bit generation, then cost-effectiveness and speed are improved, but the generated sequences are not truly random
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based computational algorithms and hardwired electronic circuitry with a physical plasma-based system. The microplasma discharge process generates inherently random current fluctuations that are directly converted to random bits, eliminating the pseudorandom nature of algorithmic approaches while maintaining high generation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of randomness generation from deterministic computational processes to stochastic physical processes. By utilizing the natural randomness of plasma discharge current fluctuations and converting them directly to binary sequences, the system achieves true randomness while maintaining computational efficiency.
2Productivity
If optical sources of entropy such as chaotic lasers are used for high-speed true random bit generation, then true randomness and speed are improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to required optoelectronic circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical sources (chaotic lasers) with a plasma-based electrical system. The microplasma discharge directly generates electrical current fluctuations that can be processed by standard electronic circuits, eliminating the need for complex optoelectronic conversion infrastructure while maintaining high-speed generation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microplasma discharge as an intermediary physical process that converts electrical energy directly into random electrical signals. This intermediary plasma stage eliminates the need for optical-to-electrical conversion chains, simplifying the overall system architecture while preserving true randomness and high-speed performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If digital techniques such as harvesting phase noise in ring oscillators are used in Hardware Security Modules, then compatibility with CMOS technology is improved, but speed and vulnerability to attacks (e.g., Differential Power_analysis) worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microplasma discharge as an intermediary physical process that generates random bits through inherent physical randomness rather than digital post-processing. This approach maintains CMOS compatibility through simple electrical measurement while fundamentally resisting power analysis attacks by eliminating predictable digital patterns that attackers could exploit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the natural, self-inherent randomness of plasma discharge current fluctuations without requiring additional digital processing or post-processing stages. The plasma process itself directly produces the random bits, making the system inherently resistant to attacks that target digital processing vulnerabilities while remaining manufacturable with standard electronics.
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
The system produces high-rate, truly random bits that pass all 15 NIST Statistical Test Suite tests with 99% confidence, is portable, cost-effective, and resilient to external power attacks, eliminating the need for optical sources and digital post-processing.
Implementation Method 1
A microplasma is a plasma of small dimensions, ranging from tens to thousands of micrometers, and can be generated at a variety of temperatures and pressures
Implementation Method 2
Power supply module supplying a DC voltage for igniting an arc discharge between the plurality of plasma electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an atmospheric pressure air microplasma system designed for random bit generation including a plurality of plasma electrodes, a power supply module supplying a DC voltage for igniting an arc discharge between the plurality of plasma electrodes, wherein the ignited arc discharge results in establishing and sustaining an arc current channel between the plurality of plasma electrodes, a current probe for measuring and collecting electric current time series data from the arc current channel, and a data acquisition board connected to the current probe for saving the collected electric current time series data, wherein binary sequences are generated from the electric current time series data. Further, the generated binary sequences are proven to pass all 15 tests of NIST Statistical Test Suite and thereby prove to qualify as random sequences.