Abstract: A hardware device is for performing crossover and mutation operations based upon a genetic algorithm. The hardware device may include a random or pseudo-random number generator, and a crossover block, conditioned with a random crossover index, for generating output crossover bit-strings from current bit-strings. The device may also include a mutation block, conditioned with a random mutation index, for generating output bit-strings by switching at least one bit of each input bit-string pointed to by the mutation index. A memory may temporarily store the current bit-strings and the output bit-strings. In addition, the hardware device may include a control unit, interfaced with the random number generator, the crossover block, the mutation block and the memory and managing their functioning by generating respective control signals therefor.