Google Inc.

William Wesson

Scott David Johnson

Lynn Bos

Karthika Periyathambi

A true random number generator (TRNG) uses an analog circuit with a ring oscillator configured to collapse from an unstable oscillation state to a stable oscillation state at a random collapse time and counter counting a counter value representing the random collapse time. Various techniques are used to harden the TRNG including a truncator generating a true random number based on a truncation of the reference count value and a dedicated voltage regulator supplying power to the analog core including the ring oscillator. Techniques also include various solutions for drawing a constant current such as using a Gray code counter and adding noise current during and/or after the collapse event with a dummy inverter chain. Bit churning, bit obfuscation entropy enhancers and various post processing techniques may be employed to further harden the TRNG. An attack detection module may raise alerts when the TRNG is being attacked.

Hardened random number generator with ring oscillator collapse time random truncation

Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit against invasive attacks and various forms of tampering. A defensive mechanism is an active physical security shield that includes an array of traces at a high metal of the integrated circuit, covering a high percentage of the surface area of that layer, and a collection of digital logic components that drive signals across the traces. The driving of the signals across the traces is done in an active manner such that a short, open, or stuck-at fault on any of the traces is detected within a very short period of time. The active security system is connected to or in communication with an alert response mechanism, such that a fault detected by the security system results in a signal being sent to the alert response mechanism.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

William Wesson