An All Digital Highly Programable TAF-DPS Based True Random Number Generator Working on Principles of Frequency-Mixing and Frequency-Tracking

A true random number generator (TRNG) which is based on interaction among frequency sources is proposed in this work. Unlike all other TRNGs which generate random number series from either harvesting physical noises or utilizing structure defect and manufacturing imperfection, this TRNG generates its randomness through the interaction of multiple signal sources, each with its unique frequency. This method is enabled by the excellent frequency-generation-capability of the Time-Average-Frequency Direct Period Synthesis (TAF-DPS). This type of TRNG has the advantages of low cost, low power and robustness against process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations, environmental noises and malicious attacks. The all-digital nature also makes it implementation-friendly and process-portable. Furthermore, it is highly programmable that makes it flexible for various applications. In this work, an implementation on FPGA is demonstrated and the resultant random data streams have passed all NIST tests.