The TRNG98 Site
The story of the random number generators start, when it was realized that no random numbers can be obtained from a PC.
The task was to develop an encryption engine for file encryption. The customer, who builds submarines, was offering Australia a licence contract for building the Swedish submarine in Australia.
The Swedish Military, however, who have received secret encryption technology from the U.S., refused using any of its algorithms for the communication. So we where asked if we could develop a non-military encryption solution.
The encryption was approved by the Swedish Military for sending drawings/specifications and updates of the Swedish submarine to Australia.
The work then changed focus into protecting the invented encryption technology by a patent. The patent plan was only partially implemented, and today the U.S. patent has also expired. The invention is now public domain in all countries.
The Random Number Generators
The central part of any computer security solution, and especially for an encryption solution, is the hardware random number generator. Investigation showed that the PC simply lacked a hardware random number generator, and that the Intel initiative to include a simple random number generator failed on user-convenience issues; if there was another chip set in the machine, or an Intel chip set without a hardware random number generator, no error message of fault was given; the driver would simply lie and return non-random data instead!
Many people also thought that reading noise from the computer microphone would be a good source of randomness. But detailed investigation showed that the noise is from a pseudo random number generator inside the sound card. The noise is inserted to smooth out the analogue input after sampling.
The only reliable method of obtaining true random numbers is to install an external hardware random number generator. ... and if you have a security review, this will exempt the otherwise so common metaphysical arguments with the so many assumptions...
The TRNG9803 Serial Port Generator
The serial port generator, now known as the TRNG9803, was for many years sold as the Protego SG100 Security Generator. Even though the 9-pin serial ports are not installed on office PC workstations, they are still common on industrial PC:s. Due to its rather modest manufacturing cost, a volume customer can usually obtain substantial discount, to build a cost effective solution.
Production of the TRNG9880 for Embedded Systems
Random Number source
The TRNG9880 use a low speed Johnson random number source. The analogue noise signal is amplified and sampled inside the device. The unit automatically apply testing, and random number processing, inside the circuit.
Easy to Install
The TRNG9880 include a text interface that print test and status messages. This make it easy to monitor the unit in various test or disturbance scenarios. As this is for embedded systems, the unit is soldered onto a circuit board. The unit require no external capacitors or filters.
Development and Progress
A new faster operation mode for 5V systems has been implemented, that is now in testing. The new operation mode to be released Q4 2018.
Production of the TRNG9815
Random Number source
The TRNG9815 use a Johnson-style random number source. This source is easier to produce compared to the Zeener source, but requires a more delicate and exact shielding.
Unlike the TRNG9803 serial port generator, the TRNG9815 include all testing and processing of the hardware signal inside the unit itself. This is not only practical, but a requirement of most Gaming Authorities nowadays.
In Developement
The TRNG9815 is now further developed to better support gaming customers in the Poker industry. This is by an initiative and a product feature request by the Gaming Commission of Malta
Market Leader
With many thousand units sold, the TRNG9815 is the leading random number generator used for government lotteries and leading gaming sites. The TRNG9815 is stored in a semi-assembled state with a typical lead time of two days.
Production of the TRNG9803
Random Number source
The TRNG9803 is based upon a Zeener diode noise source. A transistor amplifier is used to lift the noise signal to PC computer levels. The UART of the PC then read the noise signal directly, completely unprocessed.
Quality Control Measures
Earlier (in 1995-2008) was the units simply produced, and tested afterwards. In 2009 we changed circuit board manufacturer, and also introduced testing of the noise source prior to production. The trick is to test the noise source using a slightly different operation condition, compared to the normal case. Another issue found, was that some diodes deteriorate over time, making production testing difficult.
The new testing trapped all these problems; and the bad diodes could be removed. A additional improvement was that our new manufacturer, of the circuit boards, succeeded in a completely error-free production. We also introduced some delicate changes of the circuit board itself, that increased the margin between the good and the bad diodes, and also a slight product improvement for all diodes.