Continuous multi-buffering random number generator

A method for generating random data, comprising:

• initializing a plurality of counters to zero, said plurality of counters specifying a number of valid random data bytes stored in a plurality of corresponding buffers;
• initializing first and second selectors to select a first of said plurality of buffers and a corresponding first of said plurality of counters;
• loading a random data byte into one of said plurality of buffers selected by said first selector and incrementing said corresponding counter;
• determining whether one of said plurality of buffers selected by said first selector is full;
• updating said first selector to select another one of said plurality of buffers if said one of said plurality of buffers selected by said first selector is full;
• and
• repeating said loading, said determining, and said updating.

An apparatus for efficiently buffering random data in a random number generator, the apparatus comprising:

• a random data byte generator, for generating random data bytes;
• a plurality of buffers, coupled to said random data byte generator, for buffering said random data bytes;
• a write selector, coupled to said plurality of buffers, for selecting one of said plurality of buffers to write one or more random data bytes into;
• a read selector, coupled to said plurality of buffers, for selecting one of said plurality of buffers to read one or more random data bytes out of;
• and
• control logic, coupled to said plurality of buffers, for generating said write selector and said read selector.