Hello Fredrik,

Thanks for your response and the links to the schematics. 

If I understand correctly, the “avalanche noise” generator is the entropy 
source that will be used in the current HSM design, right? Would you find 
interesting to generalise the concept of the entropy source component in the 
CrypTech project? (the idea being that additional entropy sources can be easily 
added/exchanged depending on who builds the module).

Also, are you working on “health monitoring” and “entropy estimation” for the 
raw RNG source? If so, where can I found the details of the procedure?

> Currently the only external noise source connected to the FPGA is an 
> avalanche 
> noise based one. It provides input roughly on the order of 1.5 MHz to the 
> FPGA 
> which, after conditioning, would be something on the order of 20 kbit/s of 
> entropy.

Is 20 kbit/s enough for an HSM module? Would the module benefit from a faster 
generation rate?

> What price point can you get to for such low speeds?

We have always developed for faster bitrates. If 20 kb/s is the speed 
requirement, we would simplify our current hardware to optimise cost.

Best,

Carlos

_______________________________________________
Tech mailing list
Tech@cryptech.is
https://lists.cryptech.is/listinfo/tech

Reply via email to