PUF Entropy Generator for Fast and High-Quality Randomness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing random number generators often produce insufficient random sequences due to inadequate entropy inputs, which can compromise security in information applications and accuracy in statistical sampling.

Innovation Solution

An entropy generator system incorporating a physically unclonable function for truly random static entropy and a dynamic entropy source, combined with an entropy enhancement engine to produce enhanced entropy with a hamming weight of 50% and expected hamming distance of 50%, ensuring high unpredictability and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a pseudo-random number generator is used, then the generation speed is fast, but the randomness is insufficient due to inadequate entropy input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeneration speedVSAvoidrandomness quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a pseudo-random number generator (fast generation) with a true random number generator based on physically unclonable functions (high entropy) to create a hybrid system. The PUF-based entropy source provides high-quality random seeds that are then expanded by the pseudo-random generator, achieving both speed and randomness quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-generates and stores high-entropy random seeds using the PUF-based true random number generator before they are needed for rapid pseudo-random number generation. This preliminary entropy preparation ensures that the subsequent fast generation process has sufficient random input available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a true random number generator based on PUF is used, then the entropy quality is high, but the generation speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveentropy qualityVSAvoidgeneration speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the random number generation process into two segments: a slow but high-quality PUF-based entropy generation stage that produces random seeds, and a fast pseudo-random expansion stage that multiplies the output. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal speed while achieving overall high performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The PUF-based true random number generator is used partially - only to generate the initial entropy seeds rather than producing all random numbers. This partial use of the slow but high-quality source is sufficient to seed the faster pseudo-random generator, achieving excessive entropy quality for the application needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If the entropy seed is insufficient, then the system is simpler, but the security and accuracy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidsecurity and accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a PUF-based entropy source as an intermediary component between the simple pseudo-random generator and the security requirements. This intermediary provides the necessary high-quality entropy input without requiring complete redesign of the existing pseudo-random generation infrastructure, achieving enhanced security with minimal complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 generates robust, secure enhanced entropy that enhances data security and statistical sampling accuracy by providing true randomness and dynamic randomness.

Implementation Method 1

The physically unclonable function is used to provide a truly random static entropy. The truly random static entropy has a hamming weight of substantially 50%, an expected hamming distance of substantially 50% and a min-entropy of substantially 1.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysically unclonable function:

Implementation Method 2

The dynamic entropy source is used to generate a dynamic entropy.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDynamic entropy generation:

Implementation Method 3

The entropy enhancement engine is coupled to the physically unclonable function and the dynamic entropy source, and is used to generate an enhanced entropy according to the truly random static entropy and the dynamic entropy.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEntropy enhancement:

Data Source

PatentUS20230333818A1Entropy Generator and Method of Generating Enhanced Entropy Using Truly Random Static Entropy

Publication Date: 2023.10.19 PUFSECURITY CORP

AI summary

An entropy generator includes a physically unclonable function, a dynamic entropy source and an entropy enhancement engine. The physically unclonable function is used to provide a truly random static entropy. The dynamic entropy source is used to generate a dynamic entropy. The entropy enhancement engine is coupled to the physically unclonable function and the dynamic entropy source, and is used to generate an enhanced entropy according to the truly random static entropy and the dynamic entropy. The expected hamming distance is an expected value of a hamming distance between a truly random static entropy and another truly random static entropy provided by a physically unclonable function (PUF).