An Efficient and Low Power SPAD Based Quantum Random Number Generator Using NLFSR for Secure Cryptographic Applications

An Efficient and Low Power SPAD Based Quantum Random Number Generator Using NLFSR for Secure Cryptographic Applications | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article An Efficient and Low Power SPAD Based Quantum Random Number Generator Using NLFSR for Secure Cryptographic Applications Vinod Babu Pusuluri, Shyam Peraka, Venkata Vamsi Pandiri This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8220368/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 5 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Random number generation plays a crucial role in modern cryptographic systems , where true randomness is required for secure key generation and data protection. Conventional pseudo random generators lack sufficient entropy and introduce predictability. Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs), based on quantum phenomena such as single photon detection and offer enhanced unpredictability and security. In this work, we present the design and hardware realization of a SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) based Quantum Random Number Generator using a complete RTL to GDS flow. A behavioural Verilog model of SPAD operation was developed, introducing photon pulse detection, dead time effects, and noise-based entropy monitoring. The design was simulated using several EDA tools are utilized to validate functionality. Subsequently, the RTL was Synthesized, Placed, Routed and verified to generate a GDSII layout. The proposed implementation demonstrates a feasible pathway for integrating quantum enhanced random ness into secure hardware systems. The RTL to GDSII realization confirms suitability for Application Specific Integration Circuit (ASIC) fabrication, enabling cryptographic applications such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and hardware security module for low power circuits. By using Non-linear feedback shift Register (NLFSR) to enhance randomness extraction and output Bit rates. robust randomness statistics verified by NIST test, and a total power consumption of only 0.272 m Watts substantially lower than 1 conventional CMOS random number generators. This work establishes a scal-able framework for future quantum entropy sources in Secure embedded systems, validated by complete timing, power and random ness test results. SPAD QRNG ASIC Fabrication NLFSR Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 02 Feb, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 02 Feb, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 28 Nov, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 28 Nov, 2025 First submitted to journal 27 Nov, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8220368","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":584712207,"identity":"069deb3f-96d6-4006-b249-48b074fa12a1","order_by":0,"name":"Vinod Babu Pusuluri","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABBklEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDACZiDmATHYgTihAsYDAjaCWkCMhDMgHjMBLQzIWhjbkLTgAgbHeQ8+eLvjsL3BYR6zDw/n3bPbcOb8sQcMNXYMfNIN2LUc5ks2nHvmcOKGwzzGMxK3FSdvONvMbsBwLJmBTeYAVi2SzTxm0rxthxOAthgzJG5LSDY4z8wmwcB2gIFNIgGvFnuIljkwLf9wa+Fnhmhh3ADW0pBgZ3C2mU2CsQ2vFmOgX9ITZx5mK2ZIOJaQIHnmsJlEYl8yDy4tbPxnDIEhZm3Pd7x5M+OPmgR7vjOJzyQ+fLOTk5+BXQsYMDYg2IlgdgIiERDWYo9X5SgYBaNgFIxIAABIQ1LZNzhvfAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"RGUKT IIIT Nuzvid AP","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Vinod","middleName":"Babu","lastName":"Pusuluri","suffix":""},{"id":584712208,"identity":"ed662b96-a14a-44ae-8704-c5e7b94ec5e7","order_by":1,"name":"Shyam Peraka","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"RGUKT IIIT Nuzvid AP","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shyam","middleName":"","lastName":"Peraka","suffix":""},{"id":584712209,"identity":"52ed134f-a385-4efb-ba24-f91956e3d5f1","order_by":2,"name":"Venkata Vamsi Pandiri","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"RGUKT IIIT Nuzvid AP","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Venkata","middleName":"Vamsi","lastName":"Pandiri","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-11-27 09:38:19","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8220368/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8220368/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":101771066,"identity":"beeaf356-6666-44e7-8e25-30398f5a6a8a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 13:12:04","extension":"pdf","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1454681,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SpringerNatureIJST.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8220368/v1_covered_1a105296-9eed-4779-881f-faae36bee2b1.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"An Efficient and Low Power SPAD Based Quantum Random Number Generator Using NLFSR for Secure Cryptographic Applications","fulltext":[],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":false,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":true,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":true,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"iranian-journal-of-science-and-technology-transactions-of-electrical-engineering","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"iste","sideBox":"Learn more about [Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Electrical Engineering](https://link.springer.com/journal/40998)","snPcode":"40998","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/40998/3","title":"Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Electrical Engineering","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"SPAD, QRNG, ASIC Fabrication, NLFSR","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8220368/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8220368/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"Random number generation plays a crucial role in modern cryptographic systems , where true randomness is required for secure key generation and data protection. Conventional pseudo random generators lack sufficient entropy and introduce predictability. Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs), based on quantum phenomena such as single photon detection and offer enhanced unpredictability and security. In this work, we present the design and hardware realization of a SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) based Quantum Random Number Generator using a complete RTL to GDS flow. A behavioural Verilog model of SPAD operation was developed, introducing photon pulse detection, dead time effects, and noise-based entropy monitoring. The design was simulated using several EDA tools are utilized to validate functionality. Subsequently, the RTL was Synthesized, Placed, Routed and verified to generate a GDSII layout. The proposed implementation demonstrates a feasible pathway for integrating quantum enhanced random ness into secure hardware systems. 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