Design and implementation of high-rate quantum random number generation system

Abstract

This paper presents a high-rate Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) combining a Zener diode-based QRNG with LFSR-based sampling and expansion. In the quantum tunneling regime, the Zener diode produces truly random analog signals, and LFSR circuits increase the final bit rate by expanding this entropy source. We obtain 520 Mbit/s without the need for offline processing by seeding the LFSR with the Zener output. The real-time SHA-256 hashing on a Zynq-7020 FPGA guarantees output stability and quality. This hybrid strategy provides a cost-effective solution that passes the ENT, Borel normality, and NIST tests by striking a balance between the statistical quality of real randomness and the speed of deterministic expansion.