Apparatus and method for generating a random number
US8285767B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F7/588
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for generating a random number are provided, the apparatus having at least one generator circuit, each generator circuit being configured to provide a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in the first operating mode each generator circuit operating as an oscillator, and in the second operating mode each generator circuit operating as a state retention element. A control signal generator then generates a control signal for input to each generator circuit. Each generator circuit is responsive to the input control signal being at a set level to operate in the first operating mode, and is responsive to the input control signal being at a clear level to operate in the second operating mode. On a transition of the input control signal from the set level to the clear level, each generator circuit is configured to capture within the state retention element a current value of the oscillator, and to output that current value to form at least part of the random number. Such an approach provides a particularly simple, efficient and low area apparatus for generating a random number.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.