An Overview of Spintronic True Random Number Generator

Frontiers in Physics

Amit Shukla¹  Zhifeng Zhu¹  Yumeng Yang¹  Zhenxiao Fu¹  Kai Lu²  Yemin Dong²  Xi Zhao³  Yi Tang³ 

[1] School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China;State Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Informatics, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China;Zhejiang Hikstor Technology Co., LTD., Hangzhou, China;

关键词: spintronic;    true random bit generators;    spin obit torque;    spin transfer torque;    magnetic tunnel junction;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fphy.2021.638207

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

A True Random Number Generator is an essential component in data encryption, hardware security, physical unclonable functions, and statistical analyses. Conventional CMOS devices usually exploit the thermal noise or jitter to generate randomness, which suffers from high energy consumption, slow bit generating rate, large area, and over-complicated circuit. In this mini review, we introduce the novel physical randomness generating mechanism based on the stochastic switching behavior of magnetic tunnel junctions. As compared to CMOS technologies, the random number generator based on spintronic devices can have many inherent advantages, such as simpler structure, compact area, higher throughput, and better energy-efficiency. Here, we review and compare various existing schemes at the device and circuit levels to achieve high performance magnetic tunnel junctions based on a True Random Number Generator. Future research trends and challenges are also discussed to stimulate more works in this area.

【 授权许可】

CC BY