Multiplier Oscillation for True Random Number Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital integrated circuits rely on pseudo-random number generators that produce predictable sequences, making it difficult to generate truly random numbers, which is crucial for cryptography and other applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and circuit using a multiplier oscillation to generate random numbers by providing asynchronous digital inputs to a multiplier circuit, allowing it to enter feedback oscillation, and generating random numbers based on its output, with additional stages involving adders and multiplications to enhance randomness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pseudo-random number generators (LFSRs, LCGs, AWCGs, MWCGs, ICGs) are used in digital integrated circuits, then the circuit implementation is simple and reliable, but the output sequence is predictable and not truly random

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredictability of random number sequenceVSAvoidsimplicity of circuit implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by connecting the output of the multiplier circuit back to its input, creating a feedback oscillation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the circuit generates truly random numbers while maintaining simple digital circuit implementation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The multiplier circuit generates random numbers autonomously through its inherent oscillation when feedback is applied. The circuit serves itself by using its own output to drive its input, eliminating the need for external analog circuitry or complex control mechanisms, thus achieving both true randomness and implementation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If analog techniques (measuring voltage noise in resistor and converting to digital numbers using ADC) are used to generate true random numbers, then truly random number sequences are generated, but special analog circuitry is required which is not found on digital integrated circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrue randomness of number sequenceVSAvoidcomplexity of circuit architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the analog mechanical system (voltage noise measurement and ADC conversion) with a purely digital system. The multiplier circuit, when operated in feedback oscillation mode, generates true random numbers directly in the digital domain, eliminating the need for analog circuitry and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining true randomness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiplier oscillation with feedback is used to generate random numbers, then truly random number sequences are generated without analog circuitry, but the circuit requires asynchronous feedback signals and multiple adder stages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrue randomness of number sequenceVSAvoidcomplexity of feedback signal generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplier circuit serves multiple functions: it performs multiplication operations, generates feedback signals, and produces random number outputs. By making the multiplier circuit multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving true randomness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8099449B1Method of and circuit for generating a random number using a multiplier oscillation

Publication Date: 2012.01.17 XILINX INC

AI summary

A method of generating a random number using a multiplier oscillation, the method comprising providing a multiplier circuit coupled to receive a first digital input and a second digital input, wherein the first digital input and the second digital input are asynchronous signals and the first digital input comprises a feedback signal based upon an output of the multiplier circuit; allowing the multiplier to enter a state of feedback oscillation; and generating a random number based upon the output of the multiplier circuit. The method may further comprise providing a plurality of adders receiving feedback signals.