Pseudo random number e.g. secret identification number, generator for encryption of data, has linear feedback shift register and ring oscillator, where generator varies delay introduced by oscillator delay based on number of feedback bits

摘要

The generator has a n-bits linear feedback shift register (LFSR) (300), and a ring oscillator (100) with a delay element (110) introducing a variable delay in a counted feedback loop. A sampling/holding device (200) has an input coupled to an output of the oscillator, and an output coupled to an input of the LFSR. A clock input receives a sampling clock signal (CLK1) at a lower frequency than the oscillator`s frequency, where the generator is configured to vary the delay introduced by the oscillator delay based on a specific number of feedback bits among the n bits of the LFSR output. An independent claim is also included for a method for generating random numbers.