Circuitry and method for performing non-arithmetic operations
AssigneeSTMicroelectronics S.r.l.
InventorTariq Kurd
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides circuitry for performing a non-arithmetic operation in relation to at least one number. The circuitry includes a first part for carrying out the non-arithmetic operation in relation to the at least one number, the first part providing a result. A second part is arranged to identify at least one characteristic of the at least one number and to provide an output and correction circuitry for providing, if necessary, a correct result in dependence on the output of the second part, wherein said first and second parts are arranged to operate in parallel.
Claims36
Circuitry for performing a non-arithmetic operation in relation to at least one number, said circuitry comprising:
- a first part for carrying out said non-arithmetic operation in relation to said at least one number, said first part providing a result;
- a second part arranged to identify at least one characteristic of said at least one number and to provide an output;
- and
- correction circuitry for providing, if necessary, a correct result in dependence on the output of said second part, wherein said first and second parts are arranged to operate in parallel.
A method for performing a non-arithmetic operation in relation to at least one number, comprising the steps of:
- performing, in parallel, the following:
- carrying out a non-arithmetic operation on the at least one number;
- and
- identifying at least one characteristic of the at least one number;
- and
- correcting a result of the non-arithmetic operation based on the identified at least one characteristic.
A non-arithmetic operation circuit, comprising:
- a comparator that receives a first operand and a second operand, performs a non-arithmetic operation thereon, and generates a result;
- a detector that also receives the first and second operands and functions to detect whether either operand possesses a certain characteristic;
- a flushing component responsive to the detector detection of either operand possessing the certain characteristic and flushing that operand to zero;
- a look-up table receiving flushing component outputs and producing values selected depending on operand sign and zero value;
- and
- a correction component responsive to the look-up table produced values for correcting the generated result of the comparator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.