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A SwiftRNG Z

SwiftRNG Z is a general purpose USB device that generates true (hardware) random numbers at a rate of 80 Mbits per second based on the Zener diode breakdown effect (due to quantum tunneling). It can be used in conjunction with SwiftRNG Pro, SwiftRNG and SwiftRNG LE.

Devices will be shipped in 1–2 business days. For bulk orders of 10 or more devices, please contact us. Please note that for orders outside of the United States, the buyer is responsible for costs such as duties, taxes, and customs clearance when the shipment is picked up in the destination country.

How it works

SwiftRNG Z utilizes random noise generated from two independent and reliable sources based on the electrical noise produced by Zener breakdown effect (due to quantum tunneling) in a Zener diode. Zener diodes used in this device have a negative thermal coefficient and operate at about 4.6 breakdown voltage. The electrical noise generated by each random source is independently amplified, filtered, and converted into digital values. The random bytes produced by both noise sources are combined and processed internally with a Linear Corrector, a technique proposed by P. Lacharme (“Post-Processing Functions for a Biased Physical Random Number Generator”. In: FSE 2008. LNCS, vol. 5086, pp. 334-342. Springer-Verlag. 2008), using a 0.5 compression rate.

Quality checking

SwiftRNG Z implements an embedded health check test (HCT) that 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 that the host computer is continuously notified about the health of the generator. In addition, SwiftRNG Z comes with an API for running internal diagnostics that can be triggered through software or device API.

‘Repetition Count Test’ and ‘Adaptive Proportion Test’ tests are continuously performed through provided SwiftRNG Software API on the host computer to ensure the quality of the final random bytes retrieved through the USB interface.

SwiftRNG Z contains patented technology.

Tech specs

More tech specs Data sheet

True random byte download speed 80 Mbps using USB highspeed compatible interface
Power consumption Draws no more than 200 mA in active mode and 90 mA when inactive
Weight 21 grams (0.7 oz)
Data connectivity and control interface USB 2 high-speed interface with EMI filtering (also compatible with full-speed interface)
Random source Two independent circuits based on Zener breakdown effect in a Zener diode
Embedded correction algorithm Linear correction proposed by P. Lacharme
Embedded health check test (HCT) Continuous health diagnostics of all random noise sources
Implemented statistical tests Continuous ‘Repetition Count’ and ‘Adaptive Proportion’ statistical tests through provided SwiftRNG Software API
Power supply USB bus powered
RoHS compliance All parts and materials are lead-free and RoHS compliant
Country of origin U.S.

Use cases

SwiftRNG Z is a versatile device that can be used for a wide range of purposes:

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

Statistical tests

SwiftRNG Z device passes the following statistical test suites for measuring the quality of a random number generator: Diehard, Dieharder, NIST, Rngtest, Ent, Crush, BigCrush.

You can download sample test reports using links below:

Test reports generated on Sun Mar 24 CDT 2019

System requirements

  • Linux (x86, x64)
  • or FreeBSD 12/13
  • or macOS (Intel and M1 chips)
  • or Windows 10/11 (64 bit), Windows Server 2016/2019 (64 bit)
  • USB 2.0 or 3.0 high-speed host/hub

Virtual machine compatibility

SwiftRNG Z V3.1+ device has been tested with the following VM software:

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

Warranty and return policy

TectroLabs offers a 1-year limited warranty on SwiftRNG Z. We will repair or replace (at our sole discretion) any device that fails due to defect in materials or manufacturing. A SwiftRNG Z may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund minus credit card processing charge (buyer will pay for return shipping).