Method and apparatus for random-number generator

• US 20060020647A1
• Filed: 07/23/2004
• Published: 01/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Simon, Harris S., Van Pelt, Kenneth Andrew, Sharp, Dale Ogden
• Granted Patent: US 7,472,148 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 708/250
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/58 Random or pseudo-random number generators

Abstract

Method and apparatus for generating random numbers are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for generating random numbers for use in a wireless communication device provides for generating random numbers, gathering a sample of the generated random numbers, and computing at least one metric, such as mean value, standard deviation, and/or entropy. The method further provides for comparing the metric with a corresponding reference value and adjusting the metric based on a result of said comparison so that the generated random numbers achieve a desired distribution. In another aspect, an apparatus for generating random numbers includes an analog noise generator and hardware components for generating random numbers and feedback values to adjust the random numbers. The apparatus further includes a processor capable of executing instructions to carry out control algorithms for adjusting the random numbers.

Claims

1. A method for generating random numbers for use in a wireless communication device, the method comprising:

generating random numbers;

gathering a sample of the generated random numbers;

computing at least one metric based on the sample;

comparing the metric with a corresponding reference value; and

adjusting the metric based on a result of said comparing so that the generated random numbers achieve a desired distribution.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said metric includes a mean value.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said metric includes a standard deviation value.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said metric includes an entropy value.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting includes adjusting the metric through a linear algorithm.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting includes adjusting the metric through a nonlinear algorithm.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting includes adjusting the metric through an adaptive algorithm.

8. An apparatus for generating random numbers in a wireless communication device, comprising:

means for generating random numbers;

means for gathering a sample of the generated random numbers;

means for computing at least one metric based on the sample;

means for comparing the metric with a corresponding reference value; and

means for adjusting the metric based on a result of said comparing so that the generated random numbers achieves a desired distribution.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said metric includes a mean value.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said metric includes a standard deviation value.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said metric includes an entropy value.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said means for adjusting includes means for adjusting the metric through a linear algorithm.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said means for adjusting includes means for adjusting the metric through a nonlinear algorithm.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said means for adjusting includes means for adjusting the metric through an adaptive algorithm.

15. A computer-readable medium embodying means for implementing a method for generating random numbers in a wireless communication device, the method comprising:

computing at least one metric based on a sample of randomly generated numbers;

comparing the metric with a corresponding reference value; and

adjusting the metric based on a result of said comparing so that the generated random numbers achieves a desired distribution.

16. The medium of claim 15, wherein said metric includes a mean value.

17. The medium of claim 15, wherein said metric includes a standard deviation value.

18. The medium of claim 15, wherein said metric includes an entropy value.

19. The medium of claim 15, wherein said adjusting includes adjusting the metric through a linear algorithm.

20. The medium of claim 15, wherein said adjusting includes adjusting the metric through a nonlinear algorithm.

21. The medium of claim 15, wherein said adjusting includes adjusting the metric through an adaptive algorithm.

22. A processor for implementing a method for adjusting randomly generated numbers, the method comprising:

computing at least one metric based on a sample of randomly generated numbers;

comparing the metric with a corresponding reference value; and

adjusting the metric based on a result of said comparing so that the generated random numbers achieves a desired distribution.

23. An apparatus for generating random numbers, comprising:

means for generating an analog noise voltage;

an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog noise voltage to random numbers;

a first digital-to-analog converter for providing a DC offset value, computed based on a sample of the random numbers, to the means for generating the analog noise voltage;

a second digital-to-analog converter for providing a reference voltage value, computed based on the sample of the random numbers, to the analog to digital converter so that the random numbers achieve a desired distribution.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said means for generating includes a noise generator and an amplifier.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said DC offset value is provided to the amplifier.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said reference voltage value is provided to the analog to digital converter.