Random number generator

Random number generator for generating the next number in a pseudo-random sequence of numbers from a binary representation of an input number and a primitive root of a prime number P, where P=2.sup.m -1, where m is an integer, the primitive root being represented as a binary number, the random number generator comprising:

• binary multiplier for receiving signals on a first set of input lines, representing the current random number, and for receiving signals on a second set of input lines, representing the primitive root, and for generating responsive to the signals on the input lines product signals on a first set of output lines;
• binary adder for receiving signals on lines carrying binary bits 0 to m-1 of the first set of output lines, where bit 0 represents the least significant bit, and for adding the binary number represented by the signals on lines carrying bits m to 2m-1 of the first set of output lines to form sum signals on a second set of output lines, and for further adding the binary value of the signal on the line in the second set of output lines representing bit m, the next binary random number being represented by bits 0 to m-1 of the combined sum signals on the second set of output lines.