High performance true random number generator based on FPGA block RAMs

Abstract

This paper presents a new method for creating TRNGs in Xilinx FPGAs. Due to its simplicity and ease of implementation, the design constitutes a valuable alternative to existing methods for creating single-chip TRNGs. Its main advantages are the high throughput, the portability and the low amount of resources it occupies inside the chip. Therefore, it could further extend the use of FPGA chips in cryptography. Our primary source of entropy is a True Dual-Port Block-RAM operating at high frequency, which is used in a special architecture that creates a concurrent write conflict. The paper also describes the practical issues which make it possible to convert that conflict into a strong entropy source. Depending on the users' requirements, it is possible to connect many units of this generator in parallel on a single FPGA device, thus increasing the bit generation throughput up to the Gbps level. The generator has successfully passed the major statistical test batteries.