Entropy source with magneto-resistive element for random number generator
US9189201B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2207/581
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An entropy source and a random number (RN) generator are disclosed. In one aspect, a low-energy entropy source includes a magneto-resistive (MR) element and a sensing circuit. The MR element is applied a static current and has a variable resistance determined based on magnetization of the MR element. The sensing circuit senses the resistance of the MR element and provides random values based on the sensed resistance of the MR element. In another aspect, a RN generator includes an entropy source and a post-processing module. The entropy source includes at least one MR element and provides first random values based on the at least one MR element. The post-processing module receives and processes the first random values (e.g., based on a cryptographic hash function, an error detection code, a stream cipher algorithm, etc.) and provides second random values having improved randomness characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.