A Hybrid Random Number Generator Based on MetaStability-Ring Oscillator Linear Feedback Shift Registers (MSRO- LFSR)
Sonia Akter, Shelby Williams, Kasem Khalil, Magdy Bayoumi
Abstract
Robust Random Number Generators (RNGs) are indispensable components in modern cryptographic systems, secure communications, and various other applications where unpredictability and randomness are paramount. Their resilience and robustness are critical for safeguarding sensitive data from security risks and potential breaches. In contrast, Pseudoran-dom Number Generators (PRNGs) are not as secure because their generated sequence of bits will eventually repeat them-selves, rendering PRNGs predictable and vulnerable. Despite this limitation, PRNGs prove to be extremely useful in many aspects of security applications. Because of the aforementioned observations, there is a need to enhance the security of PRNGs to make them statistically robust. However, only a limited number of research efforts attempt to transform PRN Gs, particularly Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSRs), into reliable Hybrid RNGs (HRNGs). The proposed framework undergoes synthesis on the Altera Cyclone V FPG A, successfully passing all the National Institute and Standards Technology (NIST) SP800-22 test suites for randomness. By leveraging the concepts of metastability, jitter, and phase noise, the proposed design achieves high degree of randomness. Additionally, at technology node 14nm, this design is synthesized using Synopsys Design Compiler (SDC) and achieves high speed, minimal silicon area, and low energy consumption.