Digital random error generator supplying burst error signals of random durations starting at random times

Claim 1

A digital random error generator for generating burst error signals and comprising: a first digital random error generator means for generating burst start signals at random times; a second digital random error generator means for generating burst error signals of random duration; each of said first and second digital random error generator means including a pseudo random generator for supplying a varying value n-bit output, n exclusive-OR gates having first inputs to which respective bits of said varying value n-bit output are supplied, means producing the bits of a static value n-bit number fed to respective second inputs of said exclusive-OR gates, n logic gates to which the outputs of respective ones of said exclusive-OR gates are supplied, means for selectively enabling at least one of said logic gates, and an n-input output gate having the outputs of said logic gates supplied to the respective inputs of said output gate, whereby said output gate supplies random outputs in dependence on said pseudo random generator, said static value n-bit number and said means selectively enabling said logic gates; and means to enable the output of said second digital random error generator means in dependence on the output of said first digital random error generator means, so that said digital random error generator supplies a burst error signal of random duration starting at each said random time.