Tritium-Based True Random Number Generator for Compact ICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional nuclear-based true random number generators (TRNGs) require large detectors and use highly radioactive, hazardous nuclei, posing safety risks and size constraints, making them unsuitable for compact personal devices.
Innovation Solution
A true random number generator utilizing tritium gas in a cavity with an electronic sensor to detect energy from tritium decay, integrated into a compact integrated circuit (IC) chip, shielding non-detector circuit elements from radiation and using a micro-printed or epoxy-encapsulated design to prevent radiation damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large detectors are used to register particles from radioactive decay, then the reliability of random number generation is improved, but the device size increases making it unsuitable for compact personal devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of tritium from solid to gas, and uses a micro-fabricated cavity structure with dimensions in the micrometer range, allowing the detector volume to be reduced from macroscopic to microscopic scale while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulk detectors to two-dimensional surface-based micro-fabricated cavities, enabling compact integration while preserving the detection function through surface-area-to-volume optimization
2Productivity
If highly radioactive nuclei are used to ensure sufficient decay events for random number generation, then the productivity of random bit generation is improved, but the harmful radiation exposure to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radioactivity level parameter by selecting tritium (low radioactivity, 12.3-year half-life) instead of highly radioactive isotopes, and adjusts the cavity volume and tritium concentration to achieve sufficient decay events without hazardous radiation levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful radiation into a beneficial signal by using the decay electrons to generate random bits through detection, while controlling the activity level to remain below hazardous thresholds for user safety
3Productivity
If tritium is placed in direct contact with electronic circuit elements to maximize detection efficiency, then the productivity of random number generation is improved, but radiation damage to non-detector circuit parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electronic circuit into distinct functional zones: a radiation-exposed detection region containing the cavity and sensor, and a protected region containing amplifiers and processing circuitry, separated by shielding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shielding structures as intermediary elements between the tritium cavity and sensitive electronic components, allowing detection signals to pass while blocking harmful radiation from damaging non-detector circuit elements
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 tritium-based TRNG is compact, safe, and capable of generating thousands of random bits per second, suitable for consumer products without exposing users to hazardous radiation, providing on-demand random numbers for encryption and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
electrons emitted by the decay of the tritium
Implementation Method 2
electronic sensor constructed to detect energy from the decay of the tritium
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are disclosed for manufacturing a true random number generator (TRNG), wherein the TRNG includes a cavity filled with tritium and an electronic sensor constructed to detect energy from the decay of the tritium. One method includes (a) forming the cavity by bonding an enclosing structure to the sensor or adjacent to the sensor such that a portion of the sensor forms an inner surface of the cavity, (b) injecting the tritium gas into the cavity via one or more ports in the enclosing structure, and (c) sealing the one or more ports. Another method includes (a) applying a drop of tritiated water or tritiated gel to a surface of the electronic sensor, and (b) applying epoxy over the drop of tritiated water or tritiated gel (prior to step (b), the surface of the electronic sensor may be cooled sufficiently to freeze the drop of tritiated water or tritiated gel).