As cars become more reliant on digital technology, manufacturers are exploring more ways to protect sensitive information. One emerging technology is QRNG, or Quantum Random Number Generation.

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Quantum Random Number Generation within the Automotive Sector

Modern electric vehicles from Tesla, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz rely on electrical control units to manage infotainment systems and vehicle diagnostics. Many receive software updates wirelessly, exchanging a significant amount of data with external networks.

Even though true random number generators are effective because they use physical noise, such as thermal fluctuations in a computer chip, they can freeze during power cuts or extreme cold. 

If the randomness fails, or is made vulnerable to the point where it can be predicted, then the whole wireless model is put at risk. Instead of noise, quantum random number generators use intrinsic uncertainty. Chips, such as the IDQ6MC1, are being developed to thrive in environments like this and combine the use of an LED with a CMOS sensor. The LED emits photons, and the sensor captures the noise generated. Subatomic behaviour like this doesn’t follow the rules of physics and therefore can’t be predicted. 

In older cars, thieves use relay attacks to intercept the radio signals sent between the key fob and the car. While rolling codes are now used, traditional keys have a sequence that can be cracked if it’s monitored long enough. QRNG technology allows codes to be updated every millisecond, making interception impossible.

As quantum computing is evolving to the point where it could eventually crack algorithms, deploying QRNG chips now ensures that the cars built today won’t be vulnerable in five years’ time. Companies like Elmos Semiconductor and ID Quantique are already finding ways to shrink chips, so car manufacturers can use them in key fobs.  Find out more about that on the Optica website.

Random Number Generators Beyond Car Security  

Random number generators are becoming more sophisticated, especially in online banking. Cryptographic systems rely on unpredictable values to protect information. Random numbers can be used to generate keys, authenticate tokens, or create security credentials. This extends to one-time passwords and unique transaction values.

Computer simulations and weather forecasting use RNGs as well. Monte Carlo simulations run thousands of scenarios using different inputs, helping meteorologists to test possible outcomes and improve predictions.

RNGs are even used across entertainment. Traditional slot machines once used reels, gears, and mechanical components. Modern online slots like Gold Wired and Double Diamond Deluxe work differently, using advanced digital algorithms and RNGs to generate results that are truly random.

In gaming, loot boxes also adopt random number generation and, when combined with probability weighting, allow developers to have some control over the outcome. Numerical ranges ensure common items drop more frequently, whereas rare outcomes have smaller windows. 

In digital Sudoku games, RNGs can be used to populate the grid, following strict algorithmic rules to ensure the puzzle can still be solved.

Examples like this show that random number technology is evolving at an incredible rate. Even though random number generators have a huge part to play in modern car security, their purpose extends far beyond the automotive world.

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