Selector Oscillator Bias Locking for Stable Random Number Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generators using selector-based oscillators face challenges in maintaining self-sustained oscillation across process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variations, leading to impaired oscillation and biased random number generation.
Innovation Solution
A random number generator is designed with an oscillation circuit, control circuit, oscillation detection circuit, and latch circuit, where the bias voltage is self-calibrated by sweeping the bias control signal configurations, detecting oscillation onset, and locking the bias voltage to ensure robust oscillation and digitalized random number generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a selector-based oscillator is biased with a fixed bias voltage to generate random numbers, then the random number generation function is achieved, but the oscillation becomes impaired and the generated random numbers become biased due to PVT variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the oscillation state is continuously monitored and used to adjust the bias voltage. The controller detects oscillation characteristics and dynamically modifies the bias voltage applied to the selector-based oscillator, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal oscillation conditions despite PVT variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static fixed bias voltage approach to a dynamic bias voltage adjustment system. The bias voltage is no longer fixed but is continuously adapted based on real-time oscillation detection, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions caused by PVT variation and maintain stable oscillation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bias voltage is manually adjusted to compensate for PVT variation, then the oscillation stability can be improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-calibrating mechanism where the system automatically adjusts its own bias voltage without external intervention. The oscillation detection circuit monitors the oscillator state and feeds this information back to the controller, which autonomously modifies the bias voltage to maintain optimal oscillation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while keeping the control circuit relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex bias control mechanism is implemented to maintain oscillation across PVT variation, then the oscillation robustness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a feedback-based approach where a relatively simple oscillation detection circuit monitors the oscillator output and provides information to a controller. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to PVT variations without requiring a complex control mechanism, as the adjustment is driven by actual oscillation state rather than elaborate prediction or compensation circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting its own oscillation state and adjusting its bias voltage accordingly. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain robust oscillation across PVT variation without requiring external calibration equipment or complex pre-programmed compensation tables, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A random number generator that includes control circuit, an oscillation circuit, a dynamic header circuit, an oscillation detection circuit and a latch circuit is introduced. The control circuit sweeps a configuration of a bias control signal among a plurality of configurations. The dynamic header circuit generates a bias voltage based on the configuration of the bias control signal. The oscillation circuit generates an oscillation signal based on the bias voltage. The oscillation detection circuit detects an onset of the oscillation signal, and outputs a lock signal. The latch circuit latches the oscillation signal according to a trigger signal to output a random number, wherein the trigger signal is asserted after the lock signal is outputted, and the configuration of bias control signal is locked after the lock signal is outputted. A method for generating a random number and an operation method of a random number generator are also introduced.