Reconfigurable ADC/True-RNG for secure sensor networks

A novel circuit configurable either as an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) or as a true Random Number Generator (RNG) is presented. The architecture derives from pipeline ADCs and its operating mode can be changed on the fly. When used as an ADC, it pairs the performance of normal pipeline converters; otherwise it is capable of tens random Mbit/s and to pass standard randomness tests, including NIST SP800-22, as proved by extensive simulation. Applications include (wireless) sensor networks where RNGs represent an indispensable primitive in the implementation of many security schemes. Since the strength of cryptographic techniques depends on the unpredictability of the RNGs they employ, it has recently been proposed that security related applications should favor true-RNGs, over pseudo-RNGs. With sensor interfaces always including ADCs, the proposed technique makes a true-RNG available at sensor nodes at virtually no hardware/power consumption costs.