topic How do the on chip True Random Number Generators work? in Kinetis Microcontrollers

How do the on chip True Random Number Generators work?

bobpaddock — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 11:58:10 GMT

Several NXP chips have added True Random Number Generators.

I really would like to see some data from NXP on how it works and what NIST tests its has passed.

I know what some places do is take a mediocre noise source and run it through a hash algorithm to make it appear better than it truly is.

Any true random process will also make a really good thermometer.

Take a look at the Random Number section:

https://www.schneier.com/academic/

Re: How do the on chip True Random Number Generators work?

jingpan — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 06:38:13 GMT

Hi @bobpaddock ,

TRNG is based on collecting bits from a random noise source. This random noise source is a ring oscillator that is sensitive to random noise (temperature variations, voltage variations, cross-talk and other random noise) within the device in which the TRNG is used. TRNG can be used to seed a hardware or software based implementation of a DRBG defined by SP800-90.

TRNG hasn't been certified with FIPS and there are no plans to do it for KINETIS.

But, the TRNG is designed in accordance with SP800-90B guidelines, if you combine it with a SW DRBG (per SP800-90B guidelines), it should meet the FIPS requirements.

Regards,

Jing

Re: How do the on chip True Random Number Generators work?

bobpaddock — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 12:05:24 GMT

Thank you.