Method for generating a broadcast challenge value

Abstract

A method for generating a broadcast challenge value includes the steps of applying a first updating algorithm to the most significant bits of the broadcast challenge value, and applying a second, distinct updating algorithm to the least significant bits of the broadcast challenge value. The updating algorithms can be maximal-length shift registers or other forms of pseudorandom noise generator. The sequence of successive unrepeated values can be extended for either one or both sets of bits by inserting an all-zeroes value once during the period of time before which an update value recurs. System-wide synchronization can be achieved via a global time reference.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of updating a binary number, comprising the steps of: 
 applying a first updating algorithm to a plurality of most significant bits of the binary number; and    operating on a plurality of least significant bits of the binary number with a second updating algorithm.