Patent ID: 6343303
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of determining the scaling factor for a signed n bit binary number, where n=2e, comprising the steps of:a) dividing the number into a plurality of subgroups of at least two bits each; b) providing a plurality of subunits holding said respective subgroups of bits; and c) arranging said subunits in a hierarchical tree structure of units, with each unit of a superior level receiving inputs from units of a lower level, each unit producing first, second and third output signals, said first output signal representing the most significant bit of said units in the associated hierarchy, said second signal indicating whether the bits in the associated hierarchy have the same value, and said third signal being an i-bit number representing the number of places less one that the bits in the associated hierarchy can be shifted, the index i being the same as the associated level in the hierarchy.