SIGNIFICANCE ALIGNMENT

摘要

A data processing system uses alignment circuitry to align input operands in accordance with a programmable significance parameter to form aligned input operands. The aligned input operands are supplied to arithmetic circuitry, such as an integer adder or an integer multiplier, where a result value is formed. The result value is stored in an output operand storage element, such as a result register. The programmable significance parameter is independent of the result value.

主权项

1. Apparatus for processing data comprising:
alignment circuitry to align, with respect to bit significance, any of one or more input operands to a programmable significance parameter specified for an output storage element to provide one or more aligned input operands; and arithmetic circuitry coupled to said alignment circuitry to receive said one or more aligned input operands, to perform an arithmetic operation upon said one or more aligned input operands to generate a result value, and to store said result value to said output storage element, wherein said programmable significance parameter is independent of said aligned result value.