An M-sequence generator is a type of linear feedback shift register (LFSR) used to produce pseudorandom binary sequences with properties resembling those of white noise. These sequences are important in a variety of fields such as communications, cryptography, and signal processing due to their excellent statistical properties and deterministic nature. The generator works by shifting bits through a register with feedback from certain positions in the sequence, which results in a repeating pattern with a maximal length before the sequence repeats itself.

The primary features of an M-sequence generator include:

  • Deterministic output with high randomness
  • Maximal length sequence (M-sequence) before repetition
  • Efficiency in hardware implementation

Below is a table summarizing key parameters of an M-sequence generator:

Parameter Description
Length The number of bits in the sequence before it repeats.
Period The length of the sequence before it starts over.
Feedback Polynomial The polynomial used to determine the feedback taps for the shift register.

M-sequence generators are widely used for their ability to generate sequences that exhibit a high degree of randomness while remaining entirely predictable when the initial state and feedback polynomial are known.