Patent ID: 6633895
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An exponent compare apparatus for computing overflow and underflow conditions, the apparatus comprising:a plurality of constant selectors, wherein each of said plurality of constant selectors selects an exponent precision underflow/overflow constant from a plurality of exponent underflow/overflow constants; a plurality of carry save adders, wherein each of said plurality of carry save adders generates a sum signal and carry signal from one of said plurality of exponent precision underflow/overflow constants, a pre-normalized exponent signal and a normalization shift amount signal; a plurality of comparators, wherein each of said comparators is configured to compute an underflow/overflow result from said sum signal and said carry signal; and a plurality of underflow/overflow result selectors, wherein each of said underflow/overflow result selector is configured to transmit an underflow/overflow condition based upon said underflow/overflow result, from said plurality of comparators, and an exponent adjust amount signal.