True Random Number Generator Using Programmable Oscillators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer-based random number generators, especially pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs), fail to provide high-quality randomness required for cryptographic applications and statistical analysis, as they often exhibit poor statistical properties and repeat patterns, whereas true random number generators (TRNGs) based on physical processes are slow, expensive, and not easily integratable into integrated circuits.

Innovation Solution

A true random number generation circuitry utilizing a pair of oscillators driving linear feedback shift registers, where at least one oscillator is programmable with variable frequency, combining outputs to generate unpredictable random numbers, meeting standards like NIST 800-22 and DIEHARD.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) are used, then the generation speed is fast and integration is easy, but the quality of randomness is poor and patterns repeat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeneration speedVSAvoidquality of randomness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or algorithmic PRNG systems with a digital circuit-based TRNG system that uses oscillators and linear feedback shift registers. This substitution enables true randomness generation through physical processes while maintaining fast generation speeds and easy integration into standard digital systems, resolving the contradiction between speed and randomness quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs variable frequency control of oscillators to dynamically adjust the random number generation rate. By changing the frequency parameter of the oscillators, the system can adapt between faster generation modes (when speed is prioritized) and higher quality modes (when randomness quality is prioritized), thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If true random number generators (TRNGs) based on physical processes are used, then the quality of randomness is high, but the generation speed is slow and integration is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of randomnessVSAvoidgeneration speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces slow, expensive, custom hardware TRNG implementations with a digital circuit implementation using standard oscillators and linear feedback shift registers. This substitution maintains high randomness quality while dramatically improving generation speed and enabling integration into standard IC processes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic frequency control of the oscillators, allowing the system to adapt its operation mode. The variable frequency capability enables the system to optimize between quality and speed based on application requirements, resolving the static contradiction between high quality randomness and fast generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If custom hardware for TRNG is used, then the randomness quality is high, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of randomnessVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a TRNG system using universal digital circuit components (oscillators and linear feedback shift registers) that can be integrated into standard digital systems. This universal approach eliminates the need for custom, complex hardware while maintaining high randomness quality, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital circuit copies of traditional TRNG functionality rather than implementing physical process hardware. By copying the random number generation function using digital logic elements, the system achieves high randomness quality without the complexity and cost of custom hardware implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If library random number functions are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the statistical properties are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidstatistical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software library PRNG functions with a hardware-based TRNG system. This substitution provides true randomness with excellent statistical properties while maintaining ease of use through simple integration into existing digital systems. The hardware implementation generates high-quality random numbers that pass statistical tests, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8131789B2True random number generator

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 ATMEL CORP

AI summary

True random number generation circuitry utilizes a pair of oscillators driving a pair of linear feedback shift registers, with their output being combined to generate random numbers. At least one of the oscillators is programmable with a variable frequency. One embodiment controls the variable frequency of oscillators with output from one or more sets of oscillators and linear feedback shift registers. In other embodiments, linear feedback shift register output is captured and used to control the frequency of oscillators.