PARA'04 State-of-the-Art
in Scientific Computing
June 20-23, 2004 (Home page)

Updated: 15 April 2004

Fast and Reliable Random Number Generators for Scientific Computing

Richard P. Brent
Oxford University Computing Laboratory
Wolfson Building, Parks Road
Oxford, OX1 3QD, England, UK
email: rpb@rpbrent.co.uk

Abstract:

Fast and reliable pseudo-random number generators are required for simulation and other applications in Scientific Computing. We outline the requirements for good uniform random number generators, and describe a class of generators having very fast vector/parallel implementations with excellent statistical properties. We also discuss the problem of initialising random number generators, and consider how to combine two or more generators to give a better (though usually slower) generator.

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2004-04-15