Encryption apparatus and methods for raising a large unsigned integer to

Abstract

There is disclosed an encryption apparatus which apparatus functions to raise a large unsigned integer (B) indicative of message data to a large unsigned integer power E, modulo a large unsigned integer M with each of said integers being as large as N bits wherein the resulting large unsigned integer C is adapted for transmission over an insecure communications channel. The apparatus may likewise operate on a received integer C to recover the decrypted message B. The circuitry includes first logic means which is responsive to the large unsigned integer (B) for successively squaring said integer including means for reducing said squared integers successively by a given modulus M to provide at an output a first value indicative of said squared integer as reduced by said given modulus, selectively operated gating means are coupled to said first logic means and operates to receive bits of a given exponent power E. The gating means applies selected bits of the exponent power to second logic means which are controlled by said gating means to provide the product of said first value as further modified by modulus means for providing at its output the large unsigned integer for transmission over the insecure communications channel. The first and second logic means are constructed such that the required circuit size to perform the computation is significantly reduced in complexity resulting in increased speed together with a substantial reduction in cost.