[Cryptech Tech] User auditable hardware entropy source/random number generator

[Fredrik Thulin]

On Wednesday, July 09, 2014 10:59:59 PM Benedikt Stockebrand wrote:
....
> The current prototype runs at about 20 kByte/s and just passed the tests
> I currently use (FIPS140-2 and dieharder) on about 40 GB worth of
> output.
> 
> The noise generator/entropy source is using the avalanche effect in a
> Zener/avalanche diode, two transistors, a few passive components, and
> if otherwise unavailable a 5V->12V step-up converter.
> 
> I've also spent a bit of time on how to process the analog(ish) noise
> from the generator into a proper random bitstream.
> 
> However, I currently use a microcontroller instead of an FPGA, so aside
> from the fact that the microcontroller appears to be the bottleneck
> right now, some of my results may need some modification to be of use to
> your project.  If nothing else I can tell about my results with various
> extraction algorithms.
> 
> If you are interested in this, let me know and I'll provide you with
> more details.

I am more than interested. I had planned to start prototyping an off-chip 
entropy source like that as soon as the sun stops shining ;) so anything you 
can and want to share from your work would be a great contribution to the 
project at this stage.

I too was planning to use a microcontroller to sample the avalanche noise and 
then send the entropy on to the FPGA to use as one source in Joachims mixer. I 
do expect some debate around the trust issues with sticking another 
microcontroller in there, but that would have been my starting point at least.

/Fredrik