Abstract: An apparatus for generating a binary numerical sequence is provided. The apparatus is configured to apply a first write voltage or a second write voltage, different from the first write voltage, as a write voltage to each of two or more switchable elements, and/or to apply a first read voltage or a second read voltage, different from the first read voltage, as a read voltage to each of the two or more switchable elements. Each switchable element of the two or more switchable elements is configured to output, in dependence on the write voltage applied to the switchable element and/or in dependence on the read voltage applied to the switchable element, an output voltage with a first random or pseudo-random voltage value from a first voltage value range or with a second random or pseudo-random voltage value from a second voltage value range.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a sequence of random numbers has a switchable element switchable to a first state by applying a first bias voltage, and to a second state by applying a different, second bias voltage, configured, when switched to the first state, to output a first output voltage having a first random or pseudorandom voltage value, and, when switched to the second state, to output a second output voltage, further having a comparator configured to output, if the first output voltage is smaller than or equal to a first threshold voltage, a first numerical value, and to output, if the first output voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage, a different, second numerical value. Furthermore, if the second output voltage is smaller than or equal to a second threshold voltage, the comparator is configured to output the first numerical value, and if the second output voltage is greater than the second threshold voltage, to output the second numerical value, or vice versa.