Multi-Tap True Random Number Generator for Higher Sampling Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional true random number generators, particularly those using the oscillator sampling method, fail to meet the high-speed system requirements due to low true random number generation rates, as they are limited by phase jitter and single-tap oscillator structures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed true random number generator employs a multi-tap structure with multiple random entropy source circuits, each comprising a low-frequency sampling oscillation loop, XOR units, and N inverters connected end-to-end to form a high-frequency oscillation loop, allowing for increased sampling clock frequency and improved random number generation rates by reducing phase deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the oscillator sampling method is used to generate true random numbers, then the circuit implementation is flexible, but the random number generation rate is too low to meet high-speed system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single oscillator into multiple parallel oscillators (first oscillator and second oscillator). Each oscillator independently generates random numbers through sampling, thereby increasing the overall generation rate while maintaining the flexibility of the oscillator sampling method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of multiple oscillators using an XOR circuit. The first random number from the first oscillator and the second random number from the second oscillator are XORed together to produce the final random number output, merging multiple low-rate sources into a higher-rate output
2Device complexity
If a single oscillator is used for sampling, then the circuit structure is simple, but the phase jitter limits the sampling frequency and reduces random number generation rate
Solution Approach 1:
The single oscillator is segmented into multiple independent oscillators, each with its own phase characteristics. This segmentation allows parallel sampling operations without being limited by the phase jitter of a single oscillator, thereby increasing the sampling frequency and random number generation rate
3Productivity
If the sampling frequency is increased to meet high-speed requirements, then the random number generation rate improves, but phase jitter in conventional oscillator structures becomes more significant
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the oscillator into multiple parallel units, each oscillator can operate at higher frequencies without accumulating excessive phase jitter. The independent phase characteristics of each oscillator allow them to tolerate higher sampling rates while maintaining overall system reliability
4Productivity
If multiple parallel oscillators are used to increase generation rate, then the random number generation rate improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple oscillators are merged through a simple XOR combination circuit. This merging approach allows the system to achieve high generation rates using multiple parallel sources while keeping the combining logic relatively simple, thus managing device complexity
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 enhances the true random number generation rate, supporting higher sampling clock frequencies while maintaining random number quality, thus meeting the demands of high-speed systems.
Implementation Method 1
The N inverters are connected end to end to form a high-frequency oscillation loop
Implementation Method 2
each of the at least two flip-flops performs sampling at the input terminal of the flip-flop under control of a sampling clock signal
Implementation Method 3
XOR processing is performed on the sampling results. An output terminal of the XOR unit is an output terminal of one of the multiple random entropy source circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A true random number generator is provided. The true random number generator includes an Exclusive-Or (XOR) circuit and multiple random entropy source circuits. One entropy source sampling process is performed at an output terminal of each of at least two inverters in each of the multiple random entropy source circuits, which is performed by a flip-flop corresponding to the inverter. Sampling results are inputted to an XOR unit in the random entropy source circuit and XOR processing is performed on the sampling results. XOR processing results outputted by the multiple of random entropy source circuits are inputted to the XOR circuit, and the XOR processing is performed on the XOR processing results to obtain a random number sequence.