neorv32/docs/datasheet/soc_trng.adoc
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==== True Random-Number Generator (TRNG)
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|=======================
| Hardware source files: | neorv32_trng.vhd |
| Software driver files: | neorv32_trng.c | link:https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/sw/neorv32__trng_8c.html[Online software reference (Doxygen)]
| | neorv32_trng.h | link:https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/sw/neorv32__trng_8h.html[Online software reference (Doxygen)]
| Top entity ports: | none |
| Configuration generics: | `IO_TRNG_EN` | implement TRNG when `true`
| | `IO_TRNG_FIFO` | data FIFO depth, min 1, has to be a power of two
| CPU interrupts: | none
|=======================
**Overview**
The NEORV32 true random number generator provides _physically_ true random numbers. It is based on free-running
ring-oscillators that generate **phase noise** when being sampled by a constant clock. This phase noise is
used as physical entropy source. The TRNG features a platform independent architecture without FPGA-specific
primitives, macros or attributes so it can be synthesized for _any_ FPGA.
.In-Depth Documentation
[TIP]
For more information about the neoTRNG architecture and an analysis of its random quality check out the
neoTRNG repository: https://github.com/stnolting/neoTRNG
.Inferring Latches
[NOTE]
The synthesis tool might emit warnings regarding **inferred latches** or **combinatorial loops**. However, this
is not design flaw as this is exactly what we want. ;)
**Theory of Operation**
The TRNG provides two memory mapped interface register. One control register (`CTRL`) for configuration and
status check and one data register (`DATA`) for obtaining the random data. The TRNG is enabled by setting the
control register's `TRNG_CTRL_EN`. As soon as the `TRNG_CTRL_AVAIL` bit is set a new random data byte is
available and can be obtained from the lowest 8 bits of the `DATA` register. If this bit is cleared, there
is no valid data available and the reading `DATA` will return all-zero.
An internal entropy FIFO can be configured using the `IO_TRNG_FIFO` generic. This FIFO automatically samples
new random data from the TRNG to provide some kind of _random data pool_ for applications which require a
larger number of random data in a short time. The random data FIFO can be cleared at any time either by
disabling the TRNG or by setting the `TRNG_CTRL_FIFO_CLR` flag. The FIFO depth can be retrieved by software
via the `TRNG_CTRL_FIFO_*` bits.
.Simulation
[IMPORTANT]
When simulating the processor the TRNG is automatically set to "simulation mode". In this mode the physical
entropy sources (the ring oscillators) are replaced by a simple **pseudo RNG** based on a LFSR providing only
**deterministic pseudo-random** data. The `TRNG_CTRL_SIM_MODE` flag of the control register is set if simulation
mode is active.
**Register Map**
.TRNG register map (`struct NEORV32_TRNG`)
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|=======================
| Address | Name [C] | Bit(s), Name [C] | R/W | Function
.5+<| `0xfffa0000` .5+<| `CTRL` <|`0` `TRNG_CTRL_EN` ^| r/w <| TRNG enable
<|`1` `TRNG_CTRL_FIFO_CLR` ^| -/w <| flush random data FIFO when set; flag auto-clears
<|`5:2` `TRNG_CTRL_FIFO_MSB : TRNG_CTRL_FIFO_LSB` ^| r/- <| FIFO depth, log2(`IO_TRNG_FIFO`)
<|`6` `TRNG_CTRL_SIM_MODE` ^| r/- <| simulation mode (PRNG!)
<|`7` `TRNG_CTRL_AVAIL` ^| r/- <| random data available when set
.2+<| `0xfffa0004` .2+<| `DATA` <|`7:0` `TRNG_DATA_MSB : TRNG_DATA_LSB` ^| r/- <| random data byte
<|`31:8` _reserved_ ^| r/- <| reserved, read as zero
|=======================