The SwiftRNG LE (Lite Edition) is a general-purpose USB device that generates true random numbers at 29 Mbps. It is the lowest-cost USB model in the SwiftRNG family and shares the dual noise-source design, secure boot, and health checks of the other models. It can be used alongside the SwiftRNG Pro, the SwiftRNG Zn, and the SwiftRNG.

How it works

The SwiftRNG LE generates random numbers from the electrical noise produced by the avalanche breakdown effect in Zener diodes. Two independent noise sources feed the device. The noise from each source is separately amplified, filtered, and digitized, and the random bytes from both sources are combined into a single byte stream. To further reduce bias, the combined bytes are hashed in a post-processing step that produces the final true random bytes. The random bytes are sent to the host computer over USB in 16,000-byte packets.

Quality checking

The SwiftRNG LE implements an embedded health check test (HCT) that continuously monitors the quality of the random noise sources immediately after the electrical noise is digitized and before any further processing. The HCT logic appends a health check status byte to each transmitted data packet, so the host computer is continuously informed of the health of the generator.

The software kit continuously runs the Repetition Count and Adaptive Proportion tests (NIST SP 800-90B) on the host computer to verify the quality of the random bytes retrieved over USB.

The SwiftRNG LE contains patented technology.

Tech specs

More tech specs Data sheet

Current device version V1.6
True random byte download speed 29 Mbps over a USB 2.0 high-speed interface
Power consumption No more than 140 mA in active mode and 70 mA when inactive
Weight 21 grams (0.74 oz)
Data connectivity and control interface USB 2.0 high-speed interface with EMI filtering (also works on full-speed ports)
Random noise source Two independent circuits based on the avalanche breakdown effect in reverse-biased Zener diodes
Device security Secure boot from an encrypted firmware image; device access and debugging disabled
Post-processing algorithms available SHA-256, SHA-512, Marsaglia’s XorShift64
Embedded health check test (HCT) Continuous health diagnostics of both random noise sources
Implemented statistical tests Continuous Repetition Count and Adaptive Proportion tests in the software kit
Power supply USB bus powered
Compliance Certified for FCC (Class B), ISED (Class B), and CE compliance; RoHS compliant. See the compliance page for details
Country of origin Designed and assembled in the USA

Use cases

The SwiftRNG LE is suited to:

  • Generation of encryption and secure session keys
  • Feeding the /dev/random entropy pool
  • Research (statistical sampling)
  • Computer simulations
  • Gaming servers

Statistical tests

The SwiftRNG LE passes the following statistical test suites: Diehard, Dieharder, NIST, Rngtest, Ent, and EA IID.

You can download sample test reports using the links below:

System requirements

One of the following operating systems:

  • Linux (x86, x64, ARM)
  • FreeBSD 12/13/14
  • macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and Windows Server 2016/2019 (64-bit)

A USB 2.0 or 3.0 high-speed host port or hub is required.

Virtual machine compatibility

SwiftRNG LE V1.3 and later devices have been tested with the following virtual machine software:

  • VMware ESXi 6.7.0
  • VMware Workstation 15 Player
  • Oracle VirtualBox 6.1/7.0
  • Parallels Desktop for Mac (Intel and ARM)

Warranty and returns

TectroLabs offers a one-year limited warranty within the United States covering defects in materials and workmanship; we will repair or replace, at our discretion, any device that fails because of such a defect. For international orders, warranty coverage is provided in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.

A SwiftRNG LE may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund minus the credit card processing fee. The buyer pays for return shipping.