Gaussian Random Number Generator with Reconfigurable Mean and Variance using Stochastic Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel hardware-based Gaussian random number generator utilizing interconnected magnetic tunnel junctions, capable of high-speed, reconfigurable mean and variance, offering a resource-efficient alternative to CMOS-based solutions.

Contribution

It presents a new physical hardware design for Gaussian random number generation using magnetic tunnel junctions, with analytical and simulation validation of its reconfigurability and performance.

Findings

Generates multi-bit Gaussian random numbers at gigahertz speeds.

Can be configured to produce distributions with specific mean and variance.

Offers a potentially more resource-efficient alternative to CMOS-based GRNGs.

Abstract

Generating high-quality random numbers with a Gaussian probability distribution function is an important and resource consuming computational task for many applications in the fields of machine learning and Monte Carlo algorithms. Recently, CMOS-based digital hardware architectures have been explored as specialized Gaussian random number generators (GRNGs). These CMOS-based GRNGs have a large area and require entropy sources at their input which increase the computing cost. Here, we propose a GRNG that works on the principle of the Boltzmann law in a physical system made from an interconnected network of thermally unstable magnetic tunnel junctions. The proposed hardware can produce multi-bit Gaussian random numbers at a gigahertz speed and can be configured to generate distributions with a desired mean and variance. An analytical derivation of the required interconnection and bias strengths is provided followed by numerical simulations to demonstrate the functionalities of the GRNG.