Magnetic Tunnel Junction Random Number Generator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional random number generators are complex and power-consuming, making them inefficient for applications in cryptography and hardware security.

Innovation Solution

A structure for a random number generator incorporating a write line with multiple magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stacks, where the stacks include a free layer, a reference layer, and a tunnel barrier layer, and are configured to switch between low-resistance and high-resistance states using spin-orbit torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional random number generators are used, then random sequences can be generated, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom sequence generationVSAvoidgenerator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electronic random number generation mechanisms with a magnetic-based system using magnetic-tunnel-junction layer stacks. The random sequence generation is achieved through magnetic switching behavior rather than traditional electronic circuits, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes changes in resistance states (low-resistance and high-resistance states) of the magnetic-tunnel-junction layer stacks to generate random sequences. By monitoring resistance parameter changes during magnetic switching, the system achieves reliable random number generation with simpler structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional random number generators are used, then random sequences can be generated, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom sequence generationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes energy-intensive electronic random generation with a magnetic system that operates at lower power levels. The magnetic-tunnel-junction layer stacks require minimal energy to switch between magnetic states, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable random sequence generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system generates random sequences by detecting resistance parameter changes in the magnetic-tunnel-junction layer stacks during low-power magnetic switching operations, achieving efficient power utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stacks are used, then device complexity is reduced and power consumption decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenerator structureVSAvoidlayer stack fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the random number generation function into multiple magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stacks arranged in an array. Each stack is a segmented unit with standardized structure, allowing modular fabrication that reduces overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining simplified device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses uniform magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stack structures with consistent materials and dimensions across the array. This homogeneity enables standardized manufacturing processes, reducing the impact of precision variations on overall device performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 proposed solution provides a compact, low-power random number generator capable of generating random bits through the non-deterministic switching of magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stacks, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional generators.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetization of the free layer may be switched relative to the fixed layer by a spin-orbit torque to provide either a low-resistance state across the magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stack or a high-resistance state across the magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin-orbit torque:

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stack may include a pinned or fixed layer, a free layer, and a tunnel barrier layer arranged between the fixed layer and the free layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic tunneling:

Data Source

PatentUS12238938B1Random number generators including magnetic-tunnel-junction layer stacks

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 GLOBALFOUNDRIES SINGAPORE PTE LTD

AI summary

Structures for a random number generator that include magnetic-tunnel-junction layer stacks and methods of forming such structures. The structure comprises a write line, first and source lines, a first transistor connected by the first source line to a first end of the write line, and a second transistor connected by the second source line to a second end of the write line. The structure further comprises a plurality of magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stacks disposed on the write line between the first and second ends of the write line.