Synchronized true random number generator
View Patent ↗A synchronized true random number generator (SRNG) includes a pulse source that provides a synchronized pulse signal synchronized with a known time, an oscillator to make a clock signal, a time synthesizer, and a triggerable true random number generator (TRNG). Another embodiment includes a plurality of independent triggerable TRNGs, separated by a separation distance, that produce free TRNG output. A separation distance is a distance greater than the product of the speed of light (C) multiplied by the generation period. A generation period of a TRNG is the period from the start of generating a random number until the random number can be determined. A triggerable single-photon-detector TRNG comprises first and second single-photon detectors, a light source, first and second pulse-generator circuits, and a first-pulse detector. A triggerable photon-shot-noise TRNG contains a photonic detector comprising two photodiodes connected back-to-back, and light source (e.g., an LED) providing illumination to the two photodiodes; a current-to-voltage converter; an amplifier; and a comparator for converting the amplified voltage noise to a binary random bit output.
1. A synchronized true random number generator system, comprising:
a pulse source operable to provide a synchronized pulse signal synchronized with a known time;
an oscillator operable to provide a clock signal;
a time synthesizer for using said synchronized pulse signal and said clock signal to make a trigger signal and a time stamp; and
a triggerable true random number generator (TRNG) operable to receive said trigger signal to initiate generation of random numbers.
2. A system as in claim 1 , further comprising:
an interface for communicating random numbers and associated time stamps to a host computer.
3. A system as in claim 2 , further comprising:
a host computer operable to receive data containing random numbers and associated time stamps through said interface.
4. A system as in claim 3 wherein:
said host computer is operable to transmit data containing random numbers and associated time stamps to a remote location.
5. A system as in claim 1 wherein:
said system is operable to generate random numbers synchronized precisely with known times.
6. A system as in claim 1 wherein:
said synchronized pulse signal is synchronized with a global time standard.
7. A system as in claim 6 wherein:
said times with which the said random numbers are synchronized is UTC.
8. A system as in claim 6 wherein:
said times with which the said random numbers are synchronized is GPS time.
9. A system as in claim 8 wherein:
said time synthesizer is operable to produce a GPS disciplined oscillator (GPSDO) signal for producing trigger signals to trigger said triggerable TRNG at specific times.
10. A system as in claim 1 wherein:
said random numbers do not require any deterministic post processing to reduce statistical defects.
11. A system as in claim 1 wherein:
said random numbers contain full entropy as defined by NIST.
12. A system as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a processor, said processor comprising said time synthesizer and said TRNG.
13. A system as in claim 12 , further comprising:
a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), said FPGA containing said processor.
14. A system as in claim 12 wherein:
said processor is operable to transmit data containing random numbers and associated time stamps through an interface to a host computer.
15. A system as in claim 12 wherein:
said processor is operable to provide real time data containing random numbers.
16. A system as in claim 1 wherein:
said pulse source comprises a GPS receiver.
17. A synchronized true random number generator system, comprising:
at least two independent triggerable TRNGs for generating independent random numbers, said TRNGs having a generation period and said TRNGs being physically located a separation distance apart, said separation distance being greater than C (speed of light) multiplied by said generation period; and
a combiner for combining said independent random numbers, said combiner being operable to produce a free, reduced-predictability random number output.
18. A random number generator as in claim 17 comprising m said TRNGs to reduce predictability in a sequence of said free, reduced-predictability random number output to a level calculated by a bias reduction calculator, wherein m is greater than or equal to three (m≥3).
19. A random number generator as in claim 18 where said predictability is reduced to a level consistent with MST's definition of full entropy.
20. A random number generator as in claim 17 , further comprising:
a generator control circuit for accepting a trigger input signal to initiate the generation of said free, reduced-predictability random number output.
21. A random number generator as in claim 20 comprising m said TRNGs to reduce bias in a sequence of said free, reduced-predictability random number output to a level calculated by a bias reduction calculator.
22. A random number generator as in claim 21 where said bias is reduced to a level consistent with NIST's definition of full entropy.