Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to select a valid entry in a deterministic pseudo-random approach. The method may randomly select one of numerous valid entries in order to ensure that no specific entry or set of entries is consistently ignored. Moreover, the method may be deterministic in order that the selection technique could be precisely controlled for purposes such as testing and predetermined selection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for determining if a first number is greater than or equal to a second number. By analyzing nibbles of a multi-bit number in parallel to determine for each nibble if the nibbles are unequal and if a first nibble is greater than a second nibble and thereafter logically determining which of the highest order nibbles, if any, are unequal to discover whether the first number is greater than the second number, or determining that all nibble pairs are equal and thus concluding that both numbers are equal. A digital logic circuit is preferably employed for such analysis.

Abstract: A range match circuit is disclosed for fast compare of an incoming address by partitioning the incoming address into fields. In one embodiment, a 16-bit incoming address is divided into quarterly fields, or four segments of 4-bit addresses, for comparison with a 16-bit top end boundary that has been divided into quarterly fields and a 16-bit bottom end boundary that has been divided into quarterly fields. Consequently, the range match circuit is able to analyze the entire 16-bit address field in parallel and perform simple combinational logic to determine if the incoming address is within the boundaries described by the top edge and bottom edge of the range.

Abstract: An optimized system and method for a parallel leading zero anticipation which ascertains “end of run” patterns in parallel. A string representing the operands of the floating-point addition is divided into nibbles of predetermined bit length (normally 4 bits). Each nibble is analyzed for the end of run patterns and the results from this analysis determine whether a run of leading zero's or one's has ended within the nibble, and if there has been an end of run, the location (bit) of the end of run. The highest order nibble that has an end of run provides the higher order bits in the LZA (leading zero anticipator output) value, while the lower two bits of the LZA value are correlated from the location end of run within the nibble, as previously determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing leading zero count with offset (LZCO) using a parallel nibble calculation scheme. The invention receives as its input a first operand and a second “offset” operand. The first operand is identified by a plurality of nibbles, each comprising four bits. The LZCO calculator calculates the lower two bits of the result for each nibble while simultaneously (or in parallel) calculating the upper remaining bits of the result for each nibble. The LZCO also selects the resulting nibble calculation for the lower two bits and the upper bits according to the nibble that corresponds to the highest order nibble without all zero values.

Abstract: A carry-out bit generator determines if a bit pattern from two positive numbers matches one of the patterns for which a carry-out bit would be generated in addition. These patterns include a TnG pattern and a Tm pattern (with a carry-in). Superscript n represents a number between zero and m−1, superscript m represents the number of registers, T represents a 0/1 or 1/0 pair and G represents a 1/1 pair.

Abstract: A device for performing a consecutive clear bits count on an operand with an offset includes a plurality of logic circuits, each associated with a prioritized portion of the operand. Each logic circuit activates an all-zero signal when its respective portion of the operand consists of all zeros, performs a leading zero count on its respective portion of the operand, and generates a leading zero signal by offsetting its leading zero count with a first portion of the offset. Also, a priority encoder generates a signal encoding the priority of the highest priority inactive all-zero signal, and muxes select first and second portions of the leading zero signal associated with the highest priority inactive all-zero signal as a first portion of the consecutive clear bits count and a carryout selector signal, respectively, in accordance with the priority encoded signal.