Ring Oscillator TRNG Entropy Control With Conditional Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
True random number generators (TRNGs) face challenges in maintaining high entropy values while minimizing power consumption, as increasing the number of ring oscillators to enhance entropy leads to higher power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a true random number generator architecture that includes multiple first ring oscillation output circuits and a second ring oscillation output circuit that is initially disabled to conserve energy. The second ring oscillator is enabled only when the entropy value of the generated random bits falls below specified thresholds, thereby increasing entropy without continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ring oscillators are used to increase entropy value, then the randomness and uncertainty of output sequence is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of ring oscillators by enabling or disabling the second ring oscillator based on real-time entropy assessment. The system transitions from a static multi-oscillator design to a dynamic one where oscillators are activated only when entropy thresholds are not met, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high entropy and minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of ring oscillators by adjusting their enable/disable state based on entropy value measurements. When entropy is sufficient, oscillators are disabled to save power; when entropy is insufficient, they are enabled to boost randomness, thus adapting parameters to resolve the contradiction.
2Reliability
If multiple ring oscillators are operated continuously to maintain high entropy, then the randomness of output sequence is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic entropy assessment and conditional activation of ring oscillators rather than continuous operation. The entropy is evaluated at intervals, and the second ring oscillator is periodically enabled only when necessary to maintain entropy thresholds, reducing energy loss while preserving randomness quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of entropy values and automatically activates additional ring oscillators only when entropy falls below thresholds. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous oscillator operation, allowing the system to maintain high entropy while minimizing energy consumption through intelligent, demand-based activation.
Data Source
AI summary
An entropy maintaining method for a true random number generator and a true random number generator thereof are provided. The true random number generator includes a plurality of first ring oscillation output circuits. The entropy maintaining method includes providing at least one second ring oscillation output circuit in the true random number generator, the at least one second ring oscillation output circuit initially disabled; after the true random number generator is operated, recording logic of generated random bit signals every preset time; counting the logic of the random number bit signal to obtain a statistic value; and determining, according to the statistic value, whether the at least one second ring oscillation output circuit is operated in combination with the plurality of first ring oscillation output circuits to generate the random bit signals.