We consider the problem of counting the number of linear transformation shift
registers (TSRs) of a given order over a finite field. We derive explicit
formulae for the number of irreducible TSRs of order two. An interesting
connection between TSRs and self-reciprocal polynomials is outlined. We use
this connection and our results on TSRs to deduce a theorem of Carlitz on the
number of self-reciprocal irreducible monic polynomials of a given degree over
a finite field.Comment: 16 page