Generation of true random numbers with a first order chaotic circuit

Author

Austin Davis

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Committee Chair

Aubrey Beal

Committee Member

Ned Corron

Committee Member

Laurie Joiner

Research Advisor

Aubrey Beal

Subject(s)

Random number generators, Entropy (Information theory), Chaotic behavior in systems

Abstract

True randomness backed by first principles theory is surprisingly rare in physically implemented circuit for cybersecurity applications. This thesis provides an illustrative case of a chaotic one-dimensional map circuit with a design driven by a need for rudimentary theory concerned with the limits of its entropy production. Analysis, simulation, and hardware measurements are evaluated against statistical randomness tests issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Interestingly, the results provided here highlight strong relationships between first principles theory of design and measured results when varying parameters. We observe matching characteristics between analytic, simulated and measured hardware results for NIST performance indicators of entropy and randomness. Altogether, this work enables theoretical guidance for entropy assurance in a class of chaotic oscillators used as hardware security primitives.

Recommended Citation

Davis, Austin, "Generation of true random numbers with a first order chaotic circuit" (2024). Theses. 690.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/690