A random number generator circuit includes a primary circuit configured to generate a value within a first range and a secondary circuit configured to generate a value within a second range. A detector circuit detects whether or not the value from the primary circuit is within the desired output range for the random number generator circuit, and selects either the value from the primary circuit or the value from the secondary circuit in response. The second range is the desired output range and the first range encompasses the second range. In one embodiment, the primary circuit has complex harmonics but may generate values outside the desired range. The secondary circuit may have less complex harmonics, but may generate values only within the desired range. In one implementation, the random number generator circuit is used to generate a replacement way for a cache.
PRIORITY INFORMATION
This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application having an application Ser. No. 09/858,804; filed May 15, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,748,495, which application is hereby incorporated by reference.
