Ring Oscillator Random Number Circuit With Noise-Driven Frequency Fluctuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generation devices face challenges in producing high-quality random numbers with varying repetition periods, as arithmetic pseudo-random numbers have constant outputs and physical random numbers often require high power consumption due to comparator usage.
Innovation Solution
A random number generation device incorporating a current noise source and a Schmitt inverter into a ring oscillator, where the Schmitt inverter efficiently allows noise to influence the oscillation signal, generating a fluctuating frequency for high-quality random number generation with reduced power dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a comparator is used to generate random numbers from noise, then random number quality is improved, but power consumption increases
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 noise signal from the ring oscillator to control the on/off state of a switch, which then generates the random number. This extraction of the comparator eliminates the high power consumption associated with comparator operation while maintaining random number generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic comparator-based conversion mechanism with a direct noise-utilization mechanism. The noise signal directly controls the switch state without intermediate conversion, substituting the comparator's voltage comparison function with a direct noise-driven switching action. This substitution eliminates the power-hungry comparator while achieving the same random number generation objective.
2Device complexity
If arithmetic pseudo-random numbers are generated, then circuit simplicity is improved, but output variability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the arithmetic algorithm-based random number generation with a physical phenomenon-based approach. Instead of using mathematical algorithms that produce deterministic sequences, the invention uses thermal noise or shot noise from a current noise source to generate inherently unpredictable random numbers. This substitution of physical noise for arithmetic computation maintains simplicity while dramatically improving output variability and true randomness.
3Reliability
If physical fluctuation is utilized for random number generation, then output randomness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential randomizing function from the physical fluctuation source and directly applies it to control the output switch. By removing intermediate high-power conversion stages and using the physical noise signal directly to modulate the output, the system maintains true randomness while minimizing power consumption. The noise source generates random fluctuations that directly translate to random output states without requiring energy-intensive processing.
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 effectively produces high-quality random numbers with large oscillation frequency fluctuations, reducing power consumption compared to previous designs, while maintaining the non-repetition period characteristic of physical random numbers.
Implementation Method 1
a current noise source 2, a Schmitt inverter 4 receiving an output of the current noise source 2
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
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 (2) and a Schmitt inverter (4) configured to receive an output of the current noise source (2); and a conversion circuit (20) configured to convert output frequency fluctuation of the ring oscillator to a random number and output the random number.