Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method for converting a number between fixed-point and floating-point representations. More particularly, the data processing apparatus includes a data processing unit operable to execute instructions, with the data processing unit being responsive to a format conversion instruction to apply a format conversion operation to a number to perform a conversion between the fixed-point representation of the number and the floating-point representation of the number. Furthermore, a control field is provided which is arranged to provide a programmable value specifying a decimal point location within the fixed-point representation of the number, and the data processing unit is operable to reference the control field and to control the formal conversion operation in accordance with the programmable value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data processing apparatus and method for converting a number between fixed-point and floating-point representations. More particularly, the data processing apparatus comprises a data processing unit operable to execute instructions, with the data processing unit being responsive to a format conversion instruction to apply a format conversion operation to a number to perform a conversion between the fixed-point representation of the number and the floating-point representation of the number. Furthermore, a control field is provided which is arranged to provide a programmable value specifying a decimal point location within the fixed-point representation of the number, and the data processing unit is operable to reference the control field and to control the formal conversion operation in accordance with the programmable value.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method is provided, wherein in a first mode of operation, data of a first data type is processed, and in a second mode of operation, data of a second data type consisting of an even multiple of data words is processed. The data processing apparatus comprises a register bank having a plurality of data slots for storing data words of data of said first type data and data words of data of said second type data, and transfer logic, responsive to a store instruction, to control the storing of the data words in the register bank to a memory. Further, a format register is provided for storing format data indicating the distribution in the register bank of data words of data of said first data type and data words of data of said second data type.

Abstract: A zero detection method (FIG. 5) and a zero detection apparatus (FIGS. 2-4) involves determining if the sum of at least two operands and a carry-in bit will produce a zero result. The zero detection is performed in parallel to another system calculation, such as an addition or subtraction of the two operands. The zero detection logic has a hierarchical structure (see FIG. 4) which is used to reduce logic and quicken the zero detect process of FIG. 5. Zero detection may occur for more than one group of bits within the two operands. The zero detection is used, in a preferred form, primarily in floating point operations such as floating point additions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and completing floating point operations involving special floating point operands is performed in parallel, via a circuit (24), to the operation of at least one floating point mathematical unit (18, 20or 22). The floating point control (30) along with registers (14 and 16) provide floating point operands and floating point control to the mathematical units (18, 20, and 22). If the mathematical units (18, 20, and 22) cannot perform a proper floating point calculation because of the presence of a special operand, then the circuit (24) will detect the special operand and complete the floating point operation in a proper manner by communicating with the floating point control unit (30).