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A lightweight true random number generator using beta radiation for IoT applications

  • Park, Kyunghwan (Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) ;
  • Park, Seongmo (Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) ;
  • Choi, Byoung Gun (Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) ;
  • Kang, Taewook (Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) ;
  • Kim, Jongbum (Radioisotope Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute) ;
  • Kim, Young-Hee (Department of Electronic Engineering, Changwon National University) ;
  • Jin, Hong-Zhou (Department of Electronic Engineering, Changwon National University)
  • Received : 2020.03.27
  • Accepted : 2020.08.12
  • Published : 2020.12.14
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Abstract

This paper presents a lightweight true random number generator (TRNG) using beta radiation that is useful for Internet of Things (IoT) security. In general, a random number generator (RNG) is required for all secure communication devices because random numbers are needed to generate encryption keys. Most RNGs are computer algorithms and use physical noise as their seed. However, it is difficult to obtain physical noise in small IoT devices. Since IoT security functions are required in almost all countries, IoT devices must be equipped with security algorithms that can pass the cryptographic module validation programs of each country. In this regard, it is very cumbersome to embed security algorithms, random number generation algorithms, and even physical noise sources in small IoT devices. Therefore, this paper introduces a lightweight TRNG comprising a thin-film beta-radiation source and integrated circuits (ICs). Although the ICs are currently being designed, the IC design was functionally verified at the board level. Our random numbers are output from a verification board and tested according to National Institute of Standards and Technology standards.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by Nuclear Technology Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (No. 2018M2A8A1083094).

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