| 摘要 |
An apparatus and method for generating a random number are provided, the apparatus having at least one generator circuit, each generator circuit being configured to provide a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in the first operating mode each generator circuit operating as an oscillator, and in the second operating mode each generator circuit operating as a state retention element. A control signal generator then generates a control signal for input to each generator circuit. Each generator circuit is responsive to the input control signal being at a set level to operate in the first operating mode, and is responsive to the input control signal being at a clear level to operate in the second operating mode. On a transition of the input control signal from the set level to the clear level, each generator circuit is configured to capture within the state retention element a current value of the oscillator, and to output that current value to form at least part of the random number. Such an approach provides a particularly simple, efficient and low area apparatus for generating a random number. |
