Self-Timed Chaotic Random Number Generator for Cryptography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generators, particularly pseudorandom number generators, fail to achieve true randomness and are predictable, which is a concern for cryptographic systems that require strong randomness for key generation and security.
Innovation Solution
A self-timed, digital chaotic pattern generator is developed using a chain of asynchronous digital logic circuits organized in a looping sequence, where each bit updates at an unpredictable rate, mimicking true random number generators by leveraging metastability and chaotic patterns generated by cellular automata rules like Rule-30, ensuring unpredictability and high entropy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pseudorandom number generators are used, then speed and practicality are improved, but true randomness and unpredictability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces algorithmic (software-based) random generation with a hardware-based physical system using metastable digital circuits. This substitution of mechanical/computational approach with physical phenomenon-based approach enables true randomness while maintaining implementation practicality in digital systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from deterministic algorithmic processing to probabilistic physical state transitions. By utilizing circuits operating in metastable regions where state transitions are inherently unpredictable, the system achieves true randomness while the digital implementation maintains speed and efficiency.
2Reliability
If true random number generators based on physical phenomena are used, then unpredictability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-timed digital circuits that automatically transition between states based on their own internal metastable dynamics without requiring external control signals or complex timing mechanisms. This self-service operation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining true randomness generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dynamic metastable circuit regions where digital signals transition between logical states at unpredictable times. This dynamic operation mode, rather than static or clock-synchronized operation, enables true randomness generation using standard digital circuit elements without additional complexity.
3Reliability
If chaotic pattern generators with fixed timing are used, then predictability is reduced, but self-timed operation and entropy generation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic sampling of the metastable circuit states to capture random values. This periodic action at appropriate intervals allows the system to harvest entropy efficiently while the underlying circuits continuously generate chaotic patterns through their self-timed metastable transitions.
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 provides a fully synthesizable, low-power, high-bandwidth random number generator suitable for cryptographic applications, offering improved entropy and security by generating truly unpredictable random numbers, suitable for key generation and other cryptographic operations.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging metastability and chaotic patterns generated by cellular automata rules
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein describe technologies of self-timed pattern generators. The self-timed pattern generators can be used to form a random number generator to generate a random digital value. Asynchronous digital logic in a first generator asynchronously updates a next state based on a current state, a second state of a second generator that is before the first generator in the chain or ring topology, and a third state of a third generator that is after the first generator in the chain or ring topology. The self-timed pattern generators are to output a random digital value based at least in part on the current state output from the first generator.