Random Number
Generation cores

Overview

A random number generator is a computational or physical device designed to generate a sequence of numbers that does not have any easily discernable pattern, so that the sequence can be treated as being random. Such random number generators may be described as being "True" Random number generators (when they are sometimes referred to as TRNGs) or "Pseudo" Random number generators (or PRNGs).

TRNGs generate numbers which for all practical purposes, cannot be guessed or predetermined. They typically use external physical phenomena to bring in a level of true randomness. PRNGs on the other hand only appear to generate random numbers; instead they generate deterministic numbers which have certain statistical properties, which from a cursory examination may appear to be random, but which can be proven otherwise by analysis.

Uses of Random Numbers in security applications

Random numbers form an integral part of many security systems. The most obvious is the generation of secret keys for the encryption of bulk data. In this requirement, a key must be generated which can neither be guessed nor computed, even if previous keys used by the same system are known. The more random the choice is therefore, the more secure the system. This is clearly a perfect application for a high quality TRNG.

There are however security applications where a PRNG is more appropriate. For example, when generating Initialisation Vectors for a cipher mode, it is sometimes the requirement that these are non-repeating yet vary significantly from use to use. In this case a PRNG is an ideal way to generate these values, since a TRNG cannot guarantee that its values won't repeat (it is truly random after all!).

Helion Random Number Generation Solutions

Helion offer a suite of Random Number generation cores, suitable for use in high performance security applications.

A TRNG engine core is available for use specifically in Xilinx FPGA, which requires no external source of entropy, and which generates a truly random sequence of output numbers on request. This solution, which is unique to Helion, is available to target all current Xilinx families. Please contact Helion for more information.

In addition, a suite of PRNG cores are available from Helion based on the well known X9.17/X9.31 ANSI standards. These can be supplied in versions based on either AES or DES and allow high rate pseudo random numbers to be generated on demand. These high performance cores are available in versions for use in ASIC as well as Actel, Altera and Xilinx FPGA, and in common with all Helion IP cores they have been designed with each technology firmly in mind to yield the very best and most efficient results.

Datasheets

For full details of the Helion PRNG cores, please download the datasheet appropriate to your target technology.

Click here for the Xilinx FPGA core data sheet (PDF format)

Contact

For more detailed information on these or any of our other products and services, please feel free to email us at helioncores@heliontech.com and we will be pleased to discuss how we can assist with your individual requirements.