Random number generator

• US 20020184273A1
• Filed: 06/07/2002
• Published: 12/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: HMI Incorporated
• Original Assignee: HMI Incorporated
• Inventors: Katsunori, Ikake
• Granted Patent: US 7,124,157 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 708/250
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/588 Random number generators, i.e. based on natural stochastic processes

Abstract

This invention provides a random number generator having a simple construction which generates physical random numbers necessary for encryption.

The random number generator has an amplifier 103 to amplify noise signals generated from a noise source 101 and digitizer 105 to digitize the amplified noise signals. The digitizer 105 comprises a serial register.

Claims

1. A random number generator comprising:

an amplifier (103) to amplify noise signals generated from a noise source (101);

a digitizer (105) to digitize the amplified noise signals, wherein

said digitizer (105) comprises a serial register.

2. The random number generator according to claim 1, further comprising:

a serial-parallel converter (107) which converts serial digital physical random numbers output from said serial register (105) to parallel signals of certain bits.

3. The random number generator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a bit masking section (108) for masking some of said generated random number data to output other data.

4. The random number generator according to claim 3, wherein

said bit masking section (108) masks the bits specified by an external device.

5. The random number generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

a memory (118) to store the generated random number data in the generator.

6. The random number generator according to claim 5, wherein

said memory (118) stores the random number data which are output in response to a request from outside.

7. The random number generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

a memory (118) being capable of registering IDs for electronic authentication.

8. The random number generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein

said noise of the noise source (101) comprises thermal noise of a semiconductor.

9. The random number generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

an external interface section (125) to output random data in response to a request from an external computer.

10. The random number generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, being configured as a one-chip IC device.