Concept for a High Performance Random Number Generator Based on Physical Random Phenomena

Atsushi Uchida

The recent development of ultra-fast physical random number generators based on optical random

Tatsuro Sugiura, Yuki Yamanashi, Nobuyuki Yoshikawa

A physical random number generator, which generates truly random number trains by using the randomness of physical phenomena, is widely used in the field of cryptographic applications. We have developed an ultra high-speed superconductive physical random number generator that can generate random numbers at a frequency of more than 10GHz by utilizing the high-speed operation and high-sensitivity of superconductive integrated circuits. In this study, we have statistically evaluated the quality of the random number trains generated by the superconductive physical random number generator. The performances of the statistical tests were based on a test method provided by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These statistical tests comprised several fundamental tests that were performed to evaluate the random number trains for their utilization in practical cryptographic applications. We have generated 230 random number trains consisting of 20, 000-bits by using the superconductive physical random number generator fabricated by the SRL 2.5kA/cm2 Nb standard process. The generated random number trains passed all the fundamental statistical tests. This result indicates that the superconductive random number generator can be sufficiently utilized in practical applications.

Yuncai Wang

Werner Schindler

Pascal Hammer, Jürgen Mottok

The security of modern cryptographic applications depends on the quality of their random number generators (RNGs). While physical true random number generators (PTRNGs) provide high-quality randomness, their performance is often insufficient for high-throughput applications. On the other hand, deterministic random number generators (DRNGs) offer better speed but lack true randomness. This paper presents an approach to developing a high-performance PTRNG. The research focuses on optimizing the digitization of analog noise signals. For this purpose, an ADC was selected that can digitize analog signals at a high clock rate. The functionality of the ADC could be verified by digitizing reference signals. Preliminary results by digitizing the analog noise signal demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed approach, but highlight challenges in achieving good results for Min-Entropy.

Zhiliang L. Yuan