Fully-Synthesizable All-Digital Unified Dynamic Entropy Generation, Extraction and Utilization within the Same Cryptographic Core

Abstract

This work introduces a novel class of fully-synthesizable all-digital True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) using the same private-key cryptographic core for raw dynamic entropy generation, its extraction via post-processing, and its utilization as crypto-key for constrained secure systems. Endogenous random bit generation is achieved via clock pulsewidth overstretching in the digital implementation of private-key cryptographic algorithms using pulsed-latch pipelines, leveraging inherent Shannon confusion and diffusion. Demonstration on a 40-nm testchip based on a SIMON cryptographic core shows 64-bit key encryption down to 0.25 pJ/bit at 0.45 V, random number generation with cryptographic-grade entropy at 2.5 pJ/bit across manufacturing lots, dice, voltages and temperature corners. The overall area is kept well below the 106 F2 area wall (F = minimum feature size).