Digitally controllable metastability-based true random number generator

The advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) applications is driving the rapid growth and expansion of communication networks. Communication networks occur not only among individuals but also between electronic devices. The operations of encryption and decryption are extremely critical steps in the process of ensuring that communication across these networks is kept private and safe. Interest in random number generators (RNGs), which significantly impact the effectiveness of these operations, is consistently on the rise. In addition, the quality of random number generators directly affects the confidentiality of data and the effectiveness of secure communication. There are fundamentally two categories of RNGs. The first is pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs), known as deterministic RNGs, which are used in applications needing lower security. The second is true random number generators (TRNGs), which use real physical noise sources and are used in applications requiring higher safety standards. In this thesis, a digitally controlled metastability-based TRNG core is designed and fabricated using 130-nm CMOS technology. The measurement results, obtained from two separate chips at 0 °C, 50 °C, and 70 °C, demonstrate the robustness of the design. The TRNG successfully passes both AIS 31 and NIST test criteria, confirming its reliability and compliance with industry standards. Additionally, a complete TRNG design and its simulation results including the TRNG core and a proposed control algorithm is presented. It is designed for use in IoT devices, secure communication systems, smart cards, and hardware cryptographic systems. The digitally controlled nature of the TRNG ensures adaptability and resilience, making it a promising solution for modern security applications