US Patent 7664807 Apparatus for providing a random bit stream

An apparatus for providing a random bit stream includings a first provider for providing a clock signal, a second provider for providing a sample signal, an activator for activating the first and second providers such that a sampling edge of the sample signal is aligned to an edge of the clock signal. The apparatus further includes a sampler for sampling the clock signal responsive to the sampling edge of the sample signal and for generating a random bit dependent on the sampled state of the clock signal. Further, the apparatus includes a deactivator for deactivating the first and second providers. Successive random bits form a random bit stream.