Physical Unbiased Generation of Random Numbers With Coupled Resistive Switching Devices

Abstract

The resistive-switching memory (RRAM) is currently under consideration for fast nonvolatile memory thanks to its relatively low cost and high performance. A key concern for RRAM reliability is stochastic switching, which impacts the operation of the digital memory due to distribution broadening. On the other hand, stochastic behaviors are enabling mechanisms for some computing tasks, such as physical unclonable function (PUF) and random number generation (RNG). Here, we present new circuit blocks for physical RNG, based on the coupling of two RRAM devices. The two-resistance scheme allows to overcome the need of probability tracking, where the operation voltage must be tuned to adjust the generation probabilities of 0 and 1. Probability tests are proved successful for one of the three proposed schemes.