On Fri, 17 Aug 2001, Roman Black wrote:

> Olin Lathrop wrote:
> >
> > > My question is: how to generate a "truly" random number on the application
> > > of power. The number should not be determined upon the compilation of the
> > > software, but should be upon the initial powerup of the chip. (Or, it
> > should
> > > be determine by each individual chip.)
> >
> > Sounds like you DON'T want a random number, but rather a predetermined
> > staggered startup delay.  With truly random numbers there is a finite
> > probability that all boards will power up within some interval that will
> > overload the power supply.
>
> You could "daisy chain" all the modules using
> one PIC pin on each module and two series
> resistors, with a standard delay in each module
> propagated down the chain.
>
  Roman, I know you like pics, but there is no need for any pic.
Everything depends how long take an "on" procedure on one board.
Is trivial to use a microcontroller when you could use safetly a capacitor
one or two resistors, and one transistor in worst case for any board...

Cheers, Vasile

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