Random bit stream generation by amplification of thermal noise in a CMOS process

摘要

A method and circuit is presented for generating a random bit stream based on thermal noise of a CMOS device. A circuit implementing the invention preferably includes at least a pair of identically implemented thermal noise generators whose outputs feed a differential amplifier. The differential amplifier measures and amplifies the difference between the noise signals. A sampling circuit compares the difference with a threshold value that is selected to track with process/voltage/temperature variations of the noise generator circuits to output a binary bit having a bit value determined according to the polarity of the noise difference signal relative to the threshold value. The sampling circuit may be clocked to generate a random bit stream.