Reconfigurable Inverter-Capacitor Circuit for TRNG and PUF Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generators and physical unclonable function (PUF) devices have different roles and technical characteristics, with PUF devices needing to generate consistent and unique random numbers based on manufacturing variations, while random number generators produce unpredictable numbers, and there is a need for a circuit that can selectively operate as both.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising inverters, capacitors, and switches that can be configured to operate as either a random number generator or a PUF device by controlling the switches and perturbation circuits to equalize or perturb input and output voltages, allowing for random or unique output determination based on switch configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circuit is designed to generate completely random numbers (TRNG), then unpredictability is improved, but consistency and uniqueness for the same input cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit dynamically switches between two operational modes through control signals. When operating as a TRNG, the circuit allows random voltage fluctuations to produce unpredictable outputs. When operating as a PUF, the circuit stabilizes the same random fluctuations to produce consistent unique outputs for the same input, thereby resolving the contradiction between unpredictability and consistency through dynamic mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its operational parameters based on the desired function. By adjusting control signal levels and switch configurations, the circuit transforms the behavior of its internal nodes - either amplifying random variations for TRNG operation or stabilizing them for PUF operation. This parameter change enables the same hardware to satisfy both contradictory requirements under different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If separate circuits are implemented for random number generation and PUF functionality, then each function can be optimized, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal circuit that can perform both TRNG and PUF functions using the same hardware components. The circuit includes inverters, capacitors, and switches that can be configured through control signals to achieve either random number generation or unique identification functionality. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby reducing device complexity and area while maintaining optimized performance for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses dynamic reconfiguration through control signals to switch between TRNG and PUF modes. The same physical components (inverters, capacitors, switches) change their functional roles based on the control state, allowing one circuit to replace what would traditionally require two separate circuits. This dynamic adaptability reduces overall system complexity while preserving the specialized functionality needed for each application.
3Productivity
If calibration processes are added to achieve high-speed operation and energy efficiency, then performance is improved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit achieves high-speed operation and energy efficiency through its inherent design rather than external calibration processes. The circuit structure with its specific capacitor values, inverter configurations, and switch arrangements naturally optimizes performance for both TRNG and PUF modes. This self-service approach eliminates the need for time-consuming calibration steps, allowing the circuit to achieve optimal performance immediately upon power-up without additional time loss or complexity.
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 circuit efficiently operates as a random number generator or PUF device without requiring calibration, achieving high-speed operation and energy efficiency with a small area footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor connected between an input node of the first inverter and an output node of the second inverter, a second capacitor connected between the output node of the first inverter and the input node of the second inverter
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit selectively operable as a random number generator or a physical unclonable function (PUF) device and a method of operating the same are provided. The circuit includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a first switch connected between an input node of the first inverter and an output node of the first inverter, a second switch connected between an input node of the second inverter and an output node of the second inverter, a first capacitor connected between the input node of the first inverter and the output node of the second inverter, a second capacitor connected between the output node of the first inverter and the input node of the second inverter, a third switch connected in parallel with the first capacitor, and a fourth switch connected in parallel with the second capacitor.