Hardware Random Generators: Transistors vs Diodes

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effectiveness of hardware random number generation methods, specifically comparing transistor breakdown noise and Zener noise from diodes. The user intends to utilize Germanium due to its superior electron mobility and lower barrier potential for building a white noise generator. The conversation also touches on the performance of Germanium photodiodes versus Silicon photodiodes, particularly regarding dark saturation current, and references the LM336 Zener diode as a common choice. Additionally, advancements in hardware random number generators (HRNGs) are acknowledged, highlighting the need for updated information in this field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hardware random number generation (HRNG) principles
  • Familiarity with semiconductor materials, specifically Germanium and Silicon
  • Knowledge of noise generation techniques in electronics
  • Basic concepts of linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the performance characteristics of Germanium versus Silicon photodiodes
  • Explore the latest advancements in hardware random number generators (HRNGs)
  • Investigate the use of linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) for random sequence generation
  • Examine the impact of dark saturation current on noise generation in photodiodes
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, hardware developers, and researchers interested in random number generation techniques and the performance of different semiconductor materials in noise applications.

EinsteinKreuz
Messages
64
Reaction score
1
So which method works better for random number generation(in terms of flatter frequency spectrum): transistor breakdown or Zener noise?

I want to know whether to use a Zener diode or a Transistor when building a white noise generator. And FTR I intend to use Germanium because of its higher electron mobility and lower barrier potential.

But what about covered photodiode dark saturation current? Has that even been tested as a white noise source(Germanium photodiodes are much noisier than Silicon photodiodes).
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
meBigGuy said:
This article addresses some of the issues you will face.

http://www.ciphersbyritter.com/NOISE/NOISRC.HTM

The LM336 Zener diode this fellow used is of course made of SILICON rather than Germanium. I'd be interested to see the performance spectra for a Germanium diode. But I have yet to see any date for Germanium photodiode dark saturation current. I think I'll try the Germanium transistor breakdown noise approach.
But this page is quite dated! Much progress has been made in HRNGs(mainly in terms of electro-optical devices).
 
Not my field. Maybe someone with current knowledge will respond.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Creating Equal Probability Random Values with a Hardware Random Number Generator
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Upper division physics lab -- Project ideas
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K