The European Logarithmic Microprocesor

Author

Coleman, J. Nicholas ; Softley, Chris I. ; Kadlec, Jiri ; Matousek, Rudolf ; Tichy, Milan ; Pohl, Zdenek ; Hermanek, Antonin ; Benschop, Nico F.

Author_Institution

Newcastle Univ., Newcastle upon Tyne

Volume

57

Issue

4

fYear

2008

fDate

4/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

532

Lastpage

546

Abstract

In 2000 we described a proposal for a logarithmic arithmetic unit, which we suggested would offer a faster, more accurate alternative to floating-point procedures. Would it in fact do so, and could it feasibly be integrated into a microprocessor so that the intended benefits might be realized? Here, we describe the European logarithmic microprocessor, a device designed around that unit, and compare its performance with that of a commercial superscalar pipelined floating-point processor. We conclude that the experiment has been successful, and that for 32-bit work, logarithmic arithmetic may now be the technique of choice.

Keywords

fixed point arithmetic; microprocessor chips; pipeline arithmetic; European logarithmic microprocessor; logarithmic arithmetic unit; storage capacity 32 bit; superscalar pipelined floating-point processor; Digital filters; Embedded system; Floating-point arithmetic; Graphics; Manufacturing; Microprocessors; Predictive models; Process design; Proposals; Roundoff errors; General; High-Speed Arithmetic;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Computers, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9340

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TC.2007.70791

Filename

4358243