S-Box TRNG Metastability High Bit Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing true random number generators (TRNGs) are limited in generating random numbers at high rates, are easily identifiable and influenceable, and often rely on analog or easily detectable digital entropy sources, making them vulnerable to attacks and difficult to integrate seamlessly with digital logic.
Innovation Solution
The use of substitution box (S-box) components in a series configuration, leveraging metastable states to generate random numbers at high rates, with a sampling circuit and post-processing to compress and synchronize outputs, making the entropy source compact, efficient, and difficult to identify or manipulate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional one-way ring oscillators are used for random number generation, then the TRNG can be implemented, but the bit rate is limited and the implementation is easily identifiable to probing attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The ring oscillator is segmented into multiple imaging devices (e.g., 4 imaging devices), each processing a portion of the input signals. This segmentation increases the complexity of the implementation, making it harder to identify and probe, while also enabling higher bit rates through parallel processing of multiple input signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single-path ring oscillator to a multi-dimensional combinatorial imaging structure where n input signals are transformed into p output signals through multiple imaging devices arranged in feedback loops. This dimensional expansion enables higher bit rates and increased security against probing attacks.
2Reliability
If analog entropy sources are used, then random numbers can be generated, but the TRNG is easily identifiable and influenceable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional analog entropy sources with a digital combinatorial imaging system using logic circuits and imaging devices. This substitution eliminates the vulnerabilities of analog sources to identification and influence while maintaining reliable random number generation through the inherent unpredictability of the imaging transformations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital logic integration is improved, then seamless integration is achieved, but the TRNG becomes more identifiable
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging devices perform multiple functions: they process digital logic operations, generate random bits, and provide feedback loops for continuous operation. This multi-functionality enables seamless integration with digital logic systems while the complex imaging transformations maintain obscurity against identification.
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 approach enables TRNGs to produce multiple megabytes of random numbers per second while being difficult to identify and influence, providing a secure and efficient source of entropy for cryptographic applications.
Implementation Method 1
The use of substitution box (S-box) components in a series configuration, leveraging metastable states to generate random numbers at high rates
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments described herein relate to a hardware device for generating random numbers including: a plurality of substitution boxes (S-Boxes) connected to each other in a series, wherein a plurality of bits output from an S-Box of the plurality of S-Boxes is input into another S-Box of the plurality of S-Boxes; a sampling circuit configured to sample bit strings from at least one S-Box of the plurality of S-Boxes.