Application of a MEMS-Based TRNG in a Chaotic Stream Cipher

Sensors (Basel). 2017 Mar 21;17(3):646. doi: 10.3390/s17030646.

Abstract

In this work, we used a sensor-based True Random Number Generator in order to generate keys for a stream cipher based on a recently published hybrid algorithm mixing Skew Tent Map and a Linear Feedback Shift Register. The stream cipher was implemented and tested in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and was able to generate 8-bit width data streams at a clock frequency of 134 MHz, which is fast enough for Gigabit Ethernet applications. An exhaustive cryptanalysis was completed, allowing us to conclude that the system is secure. The stream cipher was compared with other chaotic stream ciphers implemented on similar platforms in terms of area, power consumption, and throughput.

Keywords: MEMS accelerometer; cryptography; skew tent map; stream cipher; true random number generator.