Random number generator

• US 7,124,157 B2
• Filed: 10/24/2001
• Issued: 10/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HMI Incorporated
• Original Assignee: HMI Incorporated
• Inventors: Ikake, Katsunori
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Tan V.
• Application Number:
  US10/148,196
• Publication Number:
  US 20020184273A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,819 Days
• Field of Search: 708/255
• US Class Current: 708/255
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/588 Random number generators, i.e. based on natural stochastic processes

Abstract

A random number generator having a simple construction which generates physical random numbers necessary for encryption. The random number generator has an amplifier to amplify noise signals generated from a noise source and digitizer to digitize the amplified noise signals. The digitizer includes a serial register.

Claims

1. A random number generator comprising:

an amplifier configured to amplify noise signals generated from a noise source;

a digitizer configured to digitize the amplified noise signals; and

a bit masking section configured to mask some of generated random number data to output other data,

wherein said digitizer comprises a serial register and said bit masking section masks the bits specified by an external device.

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

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

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

a memory configured to store generated random number data in the generator.

4. The random number generator according to claim 3, wherein said memory stores the random number data which are output in response to a request from outside.

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

a memory configured to store IDs for electronic authentication and generated random number data in the random number generator.

6. The random number generator according to claim 1, wherein said noise of the noise source comprises thermal noise of a semiconductor.

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

an external interface section configured to output random data in response to a request from an external computer.

8. The random number generator according to claim 1, being configured as a one-chip IC device.

9. A random number generator comprising:

an amplifier configured to amplify noise signals generated from a noise source;

a digitizer configured to digitize the amplified noise signals; and

a memory configured to store IDs for electronic authentication and generated random number data in the random number generator,

wherein said digitizer comprises a serial register.

10. The random number generator according to claim 9, further comprising:

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

11. The random number generator according to claim 9, further comprising:

a memory configured to store generated random number data in the generator.

12. The random number generator according to claim 11, wherein said memory stores the random number data which are output in response to a request from outside.

13. The random number generator according to claim 9, wherein said noise of the noise source comprises thennal noise of a semiconductor.

14. The random number generator according to claim 9, further comprising:

an external interface section configured to output random data in response to a request from an external computer.

15. The random number generator according to claim 9, being configured as a one-chip IC device.