A new empirical test for parallel pseudo-random number generators

Recently, Percus derived probabilities and distributions for parallel, i.i. d. random sequences of integers. This was accomplished by considering s giv en bit locations in each random variable (represented as a predetermined nu mber of bits) in each sequence. These s bits were used to create a new bina ry sequence whose expected behavior can be analyzed. Based upon Percus work , an empirical test for parallel pseudo-random number generators has been d evised. For each generator, parallel sequences of various lengths are consi dered and analyzed as proposed by Percus and the results are statistically compared to the expected behavior for truly random sequences. A variety of parallel pseudo-random number generators from the literature are studied an d the usefulness of the new empirical test is discussed. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. on behalf of IMACS.