Model of a True Random Number Generator Aimed at Cryptographic Applications

Martin Šimka (1) , Viktor Fischer (2) , Milos Drutarovský (1) , Jacques Fayolle (3)

1 Department of Electronics and Multimedia Communications
2 LHC - Laboratoire Hubert Curien
3 DIOM - Dispositifs et Instrumentation en Optoélectronique et micro-ondes

The paper presents a simple stochastic model of a True Random Number Generator, which extracts randomness from the tracking jitter of a phase-locked loop. The existence of such a model is a necessary condition in the security certification process. The proposed model can be used to test, in real time, the proper behavior of the generator and thus to guarantee its robustness against cryptographic attacks. The model is validated on real data, which have been obtained using Altera Stratix Nios and Altera Stratix DSP Professional boards.

Keywords: True random number generator; FPGAs; PLL; Jitter; VHDL; VHDL.

Domains: Computer Science [cs]; Embedded Systems; Computer Science [cs]; Cryptography and Security [cs.CR]; Engineering Sciences [physics]; Electronics

Martin Šimka, Viktor Fischer, Milos Drutarovský, Jacques Fayolle. Model of a True Random Number Generator Aimed at Cryptographic Applications. IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems – ISCAS, May 2006, Kos, Greece. pp.5619-5622. ⟨ujm-00307647⟩