Pseudo Random Number Generator Control Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Pseudo random number generators (PRNGs) require sufficient true random number data for high-quality output, but the initial seeding process can be time-consuming, and the slower output rate of true random number generators (TRNGs) can lead to delays and penalties in achieving desired pseudo random number quality.

Innovation Solution

A control mechanism is implemented to manage the operation of the PRNG, allowing it to operate in seeded and free-running modes, with TRNG data used to incrementally increase the quality of pseudo random number output, enabling early use of pseudo random numbers for tasks requiring lower quality and subsequent higher quality once sufficient TRNG data is available.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the pseudo random number generator waits for sufficient true random number data before operation, then the quality of pseudo random number output is improved, but the time delay and productivity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of pseudo random number outputVSAvoidoutput rate of pseudo random numbers

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary seeding of the pseudo random number generator with initial true random number data before full operation begins. This allows the PRNG to start generating numbers immediately with acceptable quality, while continuing to accumulate additional true random data in the background to progressively improve quality without stopping output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the amount of true random number data accumulated based on the quality requirements of pending tasks. When tasks requiring high quality are detected, the system accumulates more TRNG data; when only low-quality tasks are pending, it uses minimal seeding, thus adapting the quality level to match actual needs and avoiding unnecessary delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the system accumulates sufficient true random number data before generating pseudo random numbers, then the quality of output is improved, but the time delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of pseudo random number outputVSAvoidtime delay in generating pseudo random numbers

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary seeding of the pseudo random number generator with initial true random number data before full operation begins. This allows the PRNG to start generating numbers immediately with acceptable quality, while continuing to accumulate additional true random data in the background to progressively improve quality without stopping output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system accepts that initially only partial quality (lower than maximum possible) can be achieved with limited TRNG data. It generates pseudo random numbers with this partial quality immediately, rather than waiting for complete data accumulation, thus reducing time loss while still providing functional output that can be upgraded later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If the pseudo random number generator operates in free-running mode without sufficient seeding, then the productivity is improved, but the quality of output deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput rate of pseudo random numbersVSAvoidquality of pseudo random number output

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary seeding of the pseudo random number generator with initial true random number data before full operation begins. This allows the PRNG to start generating numbers immediately with acceptable quality, while continuing to accumulate additional true random data in the background to progressively improve quality without stopping output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation of the PRNG in free-running mode while simultaneously and continuously accumulating additional true random number data. This ensures uninterrupted productivity while the quality improves progressively over time as more seeding data is incorporated, without stopping the useful action of number generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8180816B2Control of a pseudo random number generator and a consumer circuit coupled thereto

Publication Date: 2012.05.15 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

A system having a pseudo random number generator, a control circuit being configured to increase a quality of a pseudo random number output signal of the pseudo random number generator by coupling the pseudo random number generator with a true random number output signal of a true random number generator and a consumer circuit being configured to use the pseudo random number output signal before and after the increase.