Quantum Random Number Generator Integration for Secure Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices lack integration of hardware-based security and quantum random number generators, which are essential for secure cryptographic key generation, as current implementations either provide hardware-based security or quantum randomness but not both, due to manufacturing limitations and physical isolation of components.
Innovation Solution
A single quantum random number generator is integrated with an application processor and an embedded secure element in computing devices, such as mobile phones, using light as an entropy source to generate true random numbers, and a secure switch is implemented to manage access to this generator, ensuring tamper-resistance and secure operation across multiple hardware devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quantum random number generator is integrated with an application processor and embedded secure element, then security is improved by providing true random numbers for cryptographic key generation, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the quantum random number generator, application processor, and embedded secure element into a single integrated device. The QRNG component generates quantum random numbers that are accessible by both the secure element (for cryptographic operations) and the application processor, merging previously separate security and processing functions into one unified system while maintaining the distinct operational domains of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The quantum random number generator serves multiple functions within the device: it provides true random numbers to the embedded secure element for cryptographic key generation, and simultaneously provides random numbers to the application processor for general-purpose random number generation needs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate random number generation components.
2Device complexity
If conventional random number generators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but security deteriorates because deterministic output can be predicted if the seed is known
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional deterministic random number generation (which relies on algorithmic processes and seed values) with a quantum random number generator that utilizes quantum mechanical phenomena. The QRNG uses quantum processes such as photon detection or electron tunneling to generate truly random numbers that cannot be predicted from previous outputs or seed values, fundamentally changing the mechanism from deterministic to quantum-indeterministic.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate quantum random number generator and embedded secure element are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to lack of integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the quantum random number generator and embedded secure element into a single manufactured device, combining components that were previously produced separately. This integration is achieved through co-design and co-manufacturing processes that allow both components to be fabricated together while maintaining their distinct functional requirements and security characteristics.
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 solution enhances security by providing a single, shared quantum random number generator accessible to both secure and non-secure hardware elements, improving the security of cryptographic keys and reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing, while maintaining tamper-resistance and secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
Given that quantum physics is fundamentally random, the use of a quantum process as source of randomness provides an unpredictable output of a quantum random number generator
Implementation Method 2
using light as an entropy source to generate true random numbers
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects of quantum-based security for hardware devices, a computing device includes a processor for application processing in a trusted execution environment, and includes a quantum random number generator to generate quantum random numbers sourced by multiple hardware devices in the computing device. The computing device also includes an embedded secure element that manages connection security of the multiple hardware devices, and is a single root of trust as a secure controller of the quantum random number generator. The computing device also includes a secure switch controlled by the embedded secure element, the secure switch being switchable to connect at least one of the multiple hardware devices to obtain a quantum random number from the quantum random number generator. The secure switch may be a virtualized secure switch implemented in the embedded secure element.