Ring Oscillator Random Number Generation Using Combined Jitter Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generators, particularly in smart cards, face challenges in generating truly random numbers that are unpredictable and secure, as pseudo-random numbers lack true randomness and true random number generators using physical phenomena can be complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A random number generator utilizing multiple ring oscillators with inverter chains and a signal processing circuit to combine random signals generated at sub-nodes, increasing randomness by covering a larger jitter area and enabling quick generation of random numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pseudo-random numbers are generated using logic circuits and algorithms, then generation speed and efficiency are improved, but true randomness and unpredictability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ring oscillators (first, second, and third ring oscillators) to generate random signals, merging their individual random outputs into a single high-quality random number. This combination approach maintains true randomness while achieving efficient generation through parallel operation of multiple oscillators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional physical phenomenon-based random number generators (which are complex and inefficient) with ring oscillators that use electronic circuit mechanisms. The ring oscillators generate random signals through jitter in signal transitions, substituting physical phenomena with electronic-based random signal generation while maintaining true randomness.
2Reliability
If true random numbers are generated using physical phenomena, then randomness and unpredictability are improved, but device complexity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex physical phenomenon-based generation mechanisms with simpler ring oscillator circuits. The ring oscillators generate random signals through natural jitter in signal transitions, achieving true randomness without requiring complex physical phenomena like thermal noise or radioactive decay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the ring oscillators, specifically utilizing the jitter region in signal transitions. By focusing on the random variations in transition points of the oscillating signals, the system extracts true randomness from a specific parameter region of the oscillator operation.
3Device complexity
If a single ring oscillator is used to generate random signals, then device simplicity is maintained, but randomness coverage and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the random signals from multiple ring oscillators (first, second, and third ring oscillators) to create a combined random output. This combination increases the coverage of jitter regions and enhances the overall randomness quality while maintaining reasonable device complexity through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the random number generation function across multiple segmented ring oscillators, each contributing to the overall randomness. By segmenting the generation process into multiple independent oscillators and combining their outputs, the system achieves higher randomness quality without creating a single overly complex component.
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 solution enhances randomness and efficiency by combining random signals from multiple ring oscillators, ensuring high-quality random numbers for secure applications like smart cards and security systems.
Implementation Method 1
A transition point in time of the signal output by the ring oscillator may randomly change in accordance with a Gaussian distribution. A Gaussian distribution region of the output signal may be referred to as jitter.
Data Source
AI summary
A random number generator including: a first ring oscillator including a first inverter chain, the first inverter chain including a plurality of serially connected first inverters, the first ring oscillator configured to output a first random signal generated at a first sub-node between two neighboring first inverters among the plurality of first inverters; a second ring oscillator including a second inverter chain, the second inverter chain including a plurality of serially connected second inverters, the second ring oscillator configured to output a second random signal generated at a second sub-node between two neighboring second inverters among the plurality of second inverters; and a signal processing circuit for generating a random number by combining the first random signal with the second random signal.