Random number generation based on threshold voltage randomness

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for random number generation based on threshold voltage randomness are described. For example, a memory device may apply a voltage to a chalcogenide element and increase the applied voltage at least until the applied voltage satisfies a threshold voltage associated with the chalcogenide element. The memory device may detect the state of an oscillating signal at a time at which the applied voltage satisfies the threshold voltage, and the memory device may output a logic value corresponding to the state of the oscillating signal. The threshold voltage of the chalcogenide element may vary in a statistically random manner across voltage applications, and hence the state of the oscillating signal at the time an applied voltage reaches the threshold voltage may likewise vary in a statistically random manner, and thus the corresponding logic value that is output may be a random value suitable for random number generation.

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