Apparatus for generating random number

A random number generating apparatus, comprising:

• a plurality of metastable state generation units configured to generate a metastable state signal;
• a plurality of amplification units configured to amplify the metastable state signal;
• a sampling unit for storing the amplified metastable state signal and outputting the amplified metastable state signal in response to a clock signal;
• a first commutation unit configured to connect at least one metastable state generation unit to at least one amplification unit according to a first connection signal;
• a second commutation unit configured to connect the at least one amplification unit to the sampling unit according to a second connection signal;
• and
• a connection signal generation unit configured to generate the first and second connection signals.

A method of generating random numbers, the method comprising:

• generating a metastable state signal from a plurality of metastable state generation units;
• generating a first connection signal from a connection signal generation unit;
• and
• selectively connecting, using a first commutation unit, at least one of the metastable state generation units to at least one amplification unit from a plurality of amplification units based on the first connection signal,
• wherein the first commutation unit is configured to connect a metastable generation unit to a different one of the plurality of amplification units based on the first connection signal.