Quaternary true random number generator comprising gated p+-i-n+ diodes

초록

Hardware-based true random number generators (TRNGs) have emerged as the basic unit of multivalued cryptographic systems that can significantly contribute to security technologies by lowering the risk of hacking. In this study, we propose a quaternary true random number generator (Q-TRNG) by connecting three binary true random number generators (B-TRNGs) without auxiliary circuits. The B-TRNGs are constructed using gated p+-i-n+ diodes with latch-up voltage variations owing to the inherent stochasticity of the band modulation mechanism. Owing to the inherent stochasticity of the gated p+-i-n+ diode, the Q-TRNG generates quaternary random numbers with four distinct current levels, corresponding to digit '0', '1', '2', and '3'. We demonstrate image encryption and decryption using the quaternary sequences. This study paves the way for multinary TRNGs contributing to the development of high-level hardware security technologies for edge devices.

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