On-chip randomness generation
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsKai D. Feng, Ping-Chuan Wang, Zhijian Yang, Emmanuel Yashchin
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Abstract
An on-chip true noise generator including an embedded noise source with a low-voltage, high-noise zener diode(s), and an in-situ close-loop zener diode power control circuit. The present invention proposes the use of heavily doped polysilicon and silicon p-n diode(s) structures to minimize the breakdown voltage, increasing noise level and improving reliability. The present invention also proposes an in-situ close-loop zener diode control circuit to safe-guard the zener diode from catastrophic burn-out.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a zener diode located on a substrate;
- a voltage source located on the substrate to provide a supply voltage to the zener diode;
- and
- a current monitor located on the substrate to monitor the current through the zener diode and adjust the supply voltage provide by the voltage source to maintain the zener diode in the avalanche zone close to the breakdown condition, wherein the zener diode provides a random noise output.
An apparatus comprising:
- a first and a second noise generating unit;
- and
- a single-stage differential stochastic amplifier, wherein the first noise generating unit is input into a negative input of the amplifier, and the second noise generating unit is input into the positive input of the amplifier.
An apparatus comprising:
- A plurality of noise generating unit pairs, each of said pair of noise generating units having a first and a second noise generating units;
- a first set of single-stage differential stochastic amplifiers, wherein each of said noise generating units pairs is input into one of the first set of single-stage differential stochastic amplifiers the first noise generating unit is input into a negative input of one of the first set of single-stage differential stochastic amplifiers, and the second noise generating unit is input into the positive input of one of the first set of single-stage differential stochastic amplifiers;
- and
- at least a second single-stage differential stochastic amplifier receiving an input from two of the first set of single-stage differential stochastic amplifiers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.