Zener Avalanche Noise TRNG Entropy Characterized for NIST Compliance
Original title: Gain-Dependent Entropy Characterization of a Zener Avalanche Noise TRNG via Dual NIST Standards: Toward Low-Cost Hardware Entropy for ICS Deployments
Paper evaluates op-amp Zener TRNG across gain settings and capacitors, identifying optimal config for NIST SP 800-22/SP 800-90B compliance and low-cost ICS use.
This research paper assesses entropy quality of an op-amp-based Zener avalanche noise generator using NIST standards. It tests five gain configurations and two coupling capacitor values on 1.44 billion raw bits each. Results identify a consistent three-phase autocorrelation structure and confirm Zener avalanche as the entropy source via DC substitution experiments.
- Three-phase autocorrelation structure observed across all gain settings.
- DC substitution reduces switching activity by approximately 97%.
- Smaller coupling capacitor improves entropy quality and throughput.
- Optimal gain achieves perfect statistical test scores and NIST-compliant min-entropy.
- Combined results support bill-of-materials cost under five dollars.
From the original article
1 min read at arxiv.orgTrue random number generators based on Zener avalanche noise offer a low-cost entropy source for industrial control system and IoT edge devices, yet the relationship between amplifier gain, coupling capacitance, and entropy quality remains uncharacterized under current NIST standards.
By Rishabh Das · arxiv.org
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