Noise diodes as a source of entropy for hardware random number generators

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the use of digital noise generators based on semiconductor noise diodes as part of systems for generating key numerical sequences used in cryptographic security methods. The classification of modern methods of cryptographic protection and the algorithms underlying them are considered. It is shown that ensuring high information entropy in systems for generating encryption keys is possible by using generators of truly random number sequences and cryptographically secure generators of pseudo-random number sequences. A number of disadvantages inherent in widely used sources of physical noise are described, namely: low spectral density of broadband noise, limited frequency range, nonlinearity of the noise spectrum, difficulties in technical implementation when using some methods, especially under conditions of extreme temperatures and exposure to special factors. It has been confirmed that the noise properties of semiconductor noise diodes depend on the composition and constancy of the defect-impurity structure, and defect engineering makes it possible to control their electrical parameters. The study of inhomogeneities and defects in noise diodes and the development on this basis of methods for controlling the level of structural defects made it possible to create technologies for their generation and annealing, and to improve a number of electrical and statistical properties of noise diodes.

Keywords

• cryptography, cryptographic algorithm, entropy, encryption key, digital noise generator, noise diode, defect engineering, annealing.