Digital data bit order conversion using universal switch matrix comprising rows of bit swapping selector groups

A method of randomly swapping bit locations of a digital value having m bits with associated consecutive bit locations, said method comprising the steps of:

• inputting the digital bit value into an input means;
• arranging a plurality of signal path selection means into a matrix including rows of signal path selection means;
• grouping said selection means into groups of selection means in each of said rows wherein the groups correspond to the number of rows;
• and
• for each row, providing the same control to each of said signal path selection means in said row such that all of said signal path selection means in said row passes one of a non-swapped bit value and a swapped bit value within each group of selection means.

An apparatus for randomly swapping locations of digital bits of m consecutive digital bit values each having an associated bit location, said apparatus comprising:

• an array of multiplexers for selecting between two bit values and outputting one of said two bit values, said array including N rows of multiplexers;
• each row n (for n=1, 2, . . . N) of said multiplexers being grouped into groups of 2n multiplexers;
• said multiplexer in each group selecting between a first non-swapped bit value and a second swapped bit value, said swapped bit value and said non-swapped bit value being associated with a same group and wherein said swapped bit value being in a symmetrically opposite bit location with respect to said non-swapped bit value within said associated same group;
• and
• wherein all of said multiplexers in a given row are controlled with the same control signal so as to select the same one of said first non-swapped bit vale and said second swapped bit value.