True Random Number Generator using Solar Output Characteristics

In this paper we introduce a new design concept for true random number generator using the inherent variation in the output characteristics of a solar panel. The proposed technique is experimentally demonstrated and evaluated using a series of solar panels with Arduino microcontroller platform. The evaluation shows that it enables extraction of moderate-throughput random sequences that pass most of the NIST statistical tests. The proposed concept can be very useful to mitigate cyber-threats in many wireless applications with minimal redesign cost and performance penalty.