Configurable lattice cryptography processor for the quantum-secure internet of things and related techniques

A quantum-secure internet of things (IoT) device comprising:

• a configurable modular lattice cryptography processor comprising:
• a cache;
• a modular arithmetic unit coupled to the cache, the modular arithmetic unit to perform polynomial operations including a number theoretic transform (NTT);
• a core, coupled to the cache, the core for hashing and pseudo-random number generation (PRNG);
• a discrete distribution sampler coupled to the core wherein the cache, the core and the discrete distribution sampler have dedicated clock gates which can be independently configured for fine-grained power savings;
• and
• an instruction memory configured to be programmed with custom instructions to implement a plurality of lattice-based algorithms.

A discrete distribution sampler comprising:

• a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) core;
• means, coupled to an output of the PRNG core, for applying a bit mask to an output signal provided at the output of the PRNG core;
• and
• a sampler circuit coupled to receive an output of the means for applying a bit mask and to provide a sampled output signal at a sampler circuit output;
• and
• a combiner configured to receive and combine sampled output signals from the sampler circuit output and to provide a combiner output signal.