Patent ID: 6029184
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of operating a microprocessor, comprising:changing first and second unsigned data from an unsigned format into a signed format by using a data transformation by:separating the most significant bit from other bits of each data;combining the most significant bit of said first unsigned data to the other bits of said second unsigned data and adding a sign bit to produce a first signed data; andcombining the most significant bit of said second unsigned data to the other bits of said first unsigned data and adding a sign bit to produce a second signed data,wherein a selected operation on first and second unsigned data requires an unsigned instruction designed for operating on unsigned data; andapplying a sinned instruction on said first and second signed data in said signed format so as to effect said operation by said unsigned instruction on said first and second unsigned data without requiring said unsigned instruction in the microprocessor.