Variable architecture for random number generators
AssigneeAtmel Corporation
InventorsAlain Vergnes, Guillaume Pean, Frederic Schumacher
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A variable architecture for random number generators is disclosed. In some implementations, the architecture of a random number generator may be varied based on microcontroller-specific data stored on the microcontroller. For example, a random number generator module may be embedded in a microcontroller circuit. The random number generator module may be designed to receive input from data sources in the circuit that contain microcontroller-specific data (e.g., a unique chip identifier, data carried in fuse bits). In some implementations, the architecture of the random number generator module may be adjusted or varied based on the microcontroller-specific data.
Claims21
A system comprising:
- a variable ring oscillator including one or more digital circuit elements configured by one or more digital values unique to the system to produce a clock;
- and
- a variable linear feedback shift register coupled to the clock and configured by the one or more digital values to produce one or more pseudo random digital values.
A method comprising:
- receiving in a microcontroller data unique to the microcontroller;
- adjusting a variable ring oscillator in the microcontroller using the unique data to produce a clock;
- adjusting a variable linear feedback shift register in the microcontroller that is coupled to the clock using the unique data and
- generating a pseudo random sequence using an adjusted linear feedback shift register.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.