Abstract: A circuit for generating a random output value is disclosed that comprises: a bistable circuit having two stable states in which a 0 or a 1 is output and having a balanced metastable state in which a floating value between 0 and 1 is output, said bistable circuit resolving from said metastable state to one of said stable states on being switched on, said state depending on a voltage level at a port on said bistable circuit; a voltage level control circuit for controlling a voltage level at said port on said bistable circuit; a time measuring circuit for measuring a switching time taken for said bistable circuit to switch from said metastable state to one of said stable states following switch on; and control logic for controlling said time measuring circuit, said voltage level control circuit and a switching off and on of said bistable circuit, said control logic being adapted to perform a following sequence: control said voltage level control circuit to set a predetermined voltage level at said port on said

Abstract: An isolation circuitry and method are provided for coupling between a power supply and processing circuitry in order to provide power to the processing circuitry whilst hiding a power consumption characteristic of that processing circuitry. The isolation circuitry comprises a plurality of sub-circuits, with each sub-circuit comprising a capacitor, a first switch configured to provide a first connection between the capacitor and the power supply, a second switch configured to provide a second connection between the capacitor and the processing circuitry, and a third switch configured to provide a third connection across the capacitor to partially discharge the capacitor. Control circuitry controls the plurality of sub-circuits, such that within each sub-circuit the first switch, second switch and third switch are placed in an active state in a repeating sequence.

Abstract: An isolation circuitry and method are provided for coupling between a power supply and processing circuitry in order to provide power to the processing circuitry whilst hiding a power consumption characteristic of that processing circuitry. The isolation circuitry comprises a plurality of sub-circuits, with each sub-circuit comprising a capacitor, a first switch configured to provide a first connection between the capacitor and the power supply, a second switch configured to provide a second connection between the capacitor and the processing circuitry, and a third switch configured to provide a third connection across the capacitor to partially discharge the capacitor. Control circuitry controls the plurality of sub-circuits, such that within each sub-circuit the first switch, second switch and third switch are placed in an active state in a repeating sequence.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a random output value is disclosed that comprises: a bistable circuit having two stable states in which a 0 or a 1 is output and having a balanced metastable state in which a floating value between 0 and 1 is output, said bistable circuit resolving from said metastable state to one of said stable states on being switched on, said state depending on a voltage level at a port on said bistable circuit; a voltage level control circuit for controlling a voltage level at said port on said bistable circuit; a time measuring circuit for measuring a switching time taken for said bistable circuit to switch from said metastable state to one of said stable states following switch on; and control logic for controlling said time measuring circuit, said voltage level control circuit and a switching off and on of said bistable circuit, said control logic being adapted to perform a following sequence: control said voltage level control circuit to set a predetermined voltage level at said port on said