Re: RNG in a Smart Card

Ben Laurie (ben@algroup.co.uk)
Mon, 27 Jul 1998 17:27:10 +0100

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Mike Rosing wrote:
>
> On Mon, 27 Jul 1998, Werner Koch wrote:
>
> > What about Dallas Semiconductor's iButtons; afaik this more than just
> > a silicon die?
>
> I was wondering too. I'm looking in their data book and I don't see
> anything about RNG's. It's mostly an ID system, they use a laser to burn
> in an ID code into each button. They make a big deal about each button
> being unique, not so much about the crypto strength. Lots of different
> parts to choose from too. Mostly 48 bit registration numbers, then
> choices of NV RAM or EPROM, organization of data, and scratch pad.
>
> Looks pretty neat, but does not appear to have an RNG. My data book is
> dated 94-95, so they may new stuff now.

The Crypto iButton has various functions for generating randomness. For
example, RandomFill, and SALT. I can't find anything that says where the
randomness comes from, though. I think I'll ask my contact there...

See http://www.ibutton.com/Crypto/script/index.html.

Cheers,

Ben.

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