Ring Oscillator Random Number Generation With Low Power Noise Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generation devices face challenges in generating high-quality physical random numbers with minimal power dissipation, as they often rely on arithmetic pseudo-random numbers or physical random number generators that consume excessive power.
Innovation Solution
A random number generation device incorporating a ring oscillator with a current noise source and a Schmitt inverter, which converts frequency fluctuations into random numbers, effectively reducing power consumption by optimizing the flow of charges through the noise source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a comparator is used to convert noise to random numbers, then random number generation is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the comparator component from the random number generation system. Instead of using a comparator to convert noise to random numbers, the invention directly uses the frequency fluctuations of the ring oscillator as the random number source, eliminating the power-hungry comparator while maintaining random number generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ring oscillator serves dual functions: it generates the oscillating signal and simultaneously provides the random number output through its inherent frequency fluctuations caused by noise. The system uses itself (the oscillator's natural variations) to generate random numbers without requiring additional converting components
2Reliability
If a noise source is made intentionally large to generate high quality random numbers, then random number quality improves, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of large noise (which would normally require complex filtering and conditioning) into a beneficial feature. The intentionally large noise in the ring oscillator directly causes measurable frequency fluctuations that are immediately usable as high-quality random numbers, turning what would be a disturbance into the primary signal source
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 device generates high-quality random numbers with significant frequency fluctuations while minimizing power dissipation, improving upon existing technologies by efficiently utilizing noise sources and Schmitt inverters within the ring oscillator.
Implementation Method 1
a current noise source and a Schmitt inverter configured to receive an output of the current noise source
Data Source
AI summary
It is made possible to provide a random number generation device which generates a physical random number with as little power dissipation as possible. A random number generation device includes: a ring oscillator having at least one set, each set comprising a current noise source and a Schmitt inverter configured to receive an output of the current noise source; and a conversion circuit configured to convert output frequency fluctuation of the ring oscillator to a random number and output the random number.