Generation of a pseudorandom data sequence

A method of generating a pseudorandom data sequence, wherein said pseudorandom data sequence is generated by a procedure for searching for a search pattern in an initial data sequence of N bits, said search procedure comprising the steps of:

• (a) detecting in said initial data sequence a particular search pattern of r bits that is one of a set of search patterns;
• (b) determining an output pattern of k bits by an operation that depends on the progress of the preceding step;
• and
• repeating the preceding steps (a) and (b) successively to form the pseudorandom data sequence from a succession of output patterns.

A generator of a pseudorandom data sequence, having search means for searching for a search pattern in an initial data sequence of N bits, said search means comprising:

• detection means for detecting in said initial data sequence a particular search pattern of r bits that is one of a set of search patterns;
• determination means for determining an output pattern of k bits according to an operation that depends on the progress of the detection of said at least one search pattern;
• and
• repetition means for generating the pseudorandom data sequence from a succession of output patterns.