Native Ternary Random Number Generation via PUF Unstable Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating ternary random numbers are complex and vulnerable to security breaches, as they often involve converting binary random numbers, which can expose the generated numbers to hackers, necessitating a direct and secure method for native ternary random number generation.
Innovation Solution
The use of physically unclonable functions (PUFs) to generate ternary true random numbers through the identification of unstable cells in memory arrays, combined using modulo 3 adders to enhance randomness and security, directly producing ternary random number streams without the need for binary conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If binary random numbers are converted to ternary random numbers through decimal conversion, then ternary random numbers can be generated, but the process becomes complex and vulnerable to security breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core functionality of ternary random number generation by directly utilizing the inherent ternary states of memory cells (0, 1, X) without requiring conversion through binary or decimal systems. This eliminates the vulnerable conversion process while maintaining the ability to generate ternary random numbers, directly resolving the technical contradiction between security and complexity.
2Reliability
If binary to ternary conversion is used, then ternary random numbers are produced, but the method exposes random numbers to potential hacking vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables memory cells to directly provide ternary random numbers through their inherent unstable states (0, 1, X) without requiring external conversion processes. The memory cells themselves serve the dual purpose of storage and random number generation, eliminating security vulnerabilities associated with conversion while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If direct native ternary random number generation is implemented, then security and simplicity are improved, but requires identification of unstable cells in memory arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of memory cells into stable (0, 1) and unstable (X) categories before the random number generation process. By pre-characterizing the memory array and identifying unstable cells in advance, the system eliminates the difficulty of detecting unstable cells during operation, enabling secure and simple direct ternary random number generation from the pre-identified unstable cell population.
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 significantly enhances the randomness and security of generated ternary random numbers, reducing vulnerabilities and improving the efficiency of authentication systems by leveraging manufacturing variations in PUF devices to create unique and unpredictable output.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging manufacturing variations in PUF devices to create unique and unpredictable output
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for random number generation are presented. A plurality of parameter values are generated by inspecting a plurality of cells in a memory array. Each parameter value in the plurality of parameter values is associated with a cell of the plurality of cells. A plurality of unstable cells in the plurality of cells are identified. Each unstable cell in the plurality of unstable cells is associated with a parameter value within a threshold value of an average of the plurality of parameter values. First, second and third groups of cells in the plurality of unstable cells identified and associated with values. The groups are determined based upon the parameter values associated with the cells in each group. A data stream is generated using the first group of cells, the second group of cells, and the third group of cells.