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Cross-Correlation

Cross-correlation evaluates dependence between multiple entropy sources.

Implemented in openentropy_core::analysis via cross_correlation_matrix().

What it is: A pairwise dependence matrix across multiple sources.

Use it for: Independence screening before combining sources in a pool or extractor.

Input shape: Two or more named byte streams.

  • You are combining multiple sources and want an independence sanity check.
  • You suspect shared hardware paths or environmental coupling.
  • You need to identify source pairs that should not be treated as independent.
  • Pairwise Pearson correlation for all source pairs
  • Flag count for pairs whose absolute correlation exceeds threshold
MetricDescription
pairsCorrelation coefficient for each source pair
flagged_countNumber of pairs with `

Independent sources should show low pairwise correlation. Elevated cross-correlation can indicate shared hardware pathways, scheduling coupling, or environmental coupling that reduces effective independence.

  • Requires two or more sources
  • Enabled by --profile deep or --cross-correlation