82802AB datasheet(28/53 Pages) INTEL

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Intel

® 82802AB/AC Firmware Hub

Datasheet

4.9.3.3.

RNG Data Register

Memory Address:

FFBC0161h

Default Value:

40h, for typical component out of reset

Access:

Size:

8 bits

Bit

Function

7:0

RNG Output: (Should only be used if RNG Data Status Register indicates valid output.)

4.10.

Using the Random Number Generator

The Intel Firmware Hub integrates a Random Number Generator that utilizes thermal noise generated as

a result of the inherently random quantum mechanical properties of silicon, in order to modulate a proven

hardware RNG design. Internal circuitry is included to enhance the entropy of the output. Since the

output of the RNG is non-deterministic, it is an excellent choice for cryptography applications, but it also

is a convenient source of random numbers for mathematics, modeling, graphics algorithms, artificial

intelligence, entertainment, and many other applications. The fact that it is a component of the platform

and may be utilized remotely on a locked-away server makes it an ideal (and much more reliable) source

of entropy for applications that, in the past, have relied exclusively on a key press or other environmental

input. Several Intel Firmware Hub components may be used in tandem (see the following section) when

additional RNG bandwidth is required. When not generating new random bits, the RNG circuitry will

enter a low power state.

4.11.

Detecting and Initializing the RNG Device

Before any process attempts to read random data directly from the Intel Firmware Hub RNG device, it

should execute a process to verify that a supported RNG device is available for use, enable the device,

and verify the correct functionality. This initialization process is described in a following subsection.

4.11.1.

Detecting the RNG Device

The Manufacturer Code and Hardware Status registers are used to determine whether a supported RNG

device is available on the system.

Step 1:

From the system BIOS or using the Read Identifier Codes command, as specified in the

Intel® 82802AB/82802AC Firmware Hub (FWH) datasheet, verify the Intel® 82802

manufacturer code.

Step 2:

If a valid Intel® 82802 FWH is found, then the RNG Present bit (bit 6) of the Hardware

Status register should be checked in order to verify that an RNG device is available.

Note: There is a chance that, even if no RNG device is present, the physical memory locations described above

may coincidentally match the values expected for an RNG device. For this reason, before random data is

sent to an application, the device should be exercised to verify that it is indeed an RNG. This can be

accomplished by enabling the device and running an initial test (e.g., FIPS (Federal Information

Processing Standard) 140-1) before use.

82802AB Datasheet(PDF) 28 Page - Intel Corporation

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