Spin Torus Oscillator Noise for Random Number Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hard disk drives (HDDs) face challenges in generating truly random numbers for robust security systems, as existing methods are either costly or use pseudo-random numbers that are less secure.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing the wide bandwidth noise signal generated by a spin torque oscillator (STO) in microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) HDDs, which includes a direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) components, filtering out these components to isolate the noise signal, and converting it into binary values to generate truly random numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional hardware is used to generate truly random numbers, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The STO within the HDD performs dual functions: its primary function for data recording and its secondary function for generating random numbers. The STO's inherent noise, which is normally considered unwanted interference affecting recording precision, is repurposed as a random number source. This eliminates the need for separate random number generation hardware, resolving the contradiction between security improvement and device complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the STO's noise signal, which is harmful to recording precision, into a beneficial random number source for security applications. By filtering and processing the noise component that degrades recording accuracy, the system generates cryptographically secure random numbers, transforming a harmful factor into a useful resource.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If additional hardware is used to generate truly random numbers, then unpredictability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveunpredictabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The STO is designed to perform multiple functions: data recording assistance and random number generation. By making the STO universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate hardware components for random number generation, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high unpredictability through the STO's inherent physical noise processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the STO signal is used directly for random number generation, then processing speed is improved, but signal purity deteriorates due to DC and RF components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom number generation speedVSAvoidsignal purity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The STO signal is segmented into distinct frequency components: DC component, RF oscillating component, and noise component. Each component is separated through filtering operations, allowing the noise component to be extracted for random number generation while eliminating interference from other components. This segmentation enables both high processing speed and signal purity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The desired noise component is extracted from the composite STO signal through bandpass filtering. The filtering process takes out the useful random noise while removing the harmful DC and RF components, achieving both signal purity and maintaining the high-speed generation capability inherent in the STO's natural oscillation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 allows for the generation of secure, unpredictable truly random numbers using existing HDD components, reducing the need for additional hardware and enhancing security without increasing the cost of HDDs.

Implementation Method 1

a method including detecting a wide bandwidth noise signal generated by a spin torque oscillator (STO)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin torque:

Data Source

PatentUS10698658B2Random number generation from spin torque oscillator noise

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods disclosed herein relate to detecting a signal generated by a spin torque oscillator (STO). The signal is outputted, wherein the signal includes a direct current (DC) component, a wide bandwidth noise component, and an STO oscillating radio frequency (RF) component. The signal is filtered, wherein the filtering removes the DC component and the STO oscillating RF component, leaving the wide bandwidth noise component. A value of the wide bandwidth noise component is converted into a binary value, and a bit from the binary value is selected and combined with another bit to form a random number.