Patent ID: 7606850
Filing Date: 2009-10-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for approximating a base-2 logarithm of a binary number, said apparatus comprising: a primary encoder for determining a position k within said binary number at which a “1” is first occurred; a shift register for assigning all bits to the right of said position k within said binary number as a fractional portion of a base-2 logarithm approximation of said binary number; a lookup table for utilizing a subset of said fractional portion to generate an adjustment value βm for said fractional portion; wherein said lookup table further includes means for utilizing said subset of said fractional portion to generate said adjustment value βm by where m is said subset of said fractional portion; and an adder for adding said fractional portion along with said adjustment value βm for said fractional portion to said k as a binary number representing an integer portion of said base-2 logarithm approximation of said binary number to form said base-2 logarithm approximation of said binary number.