Abstract: A method of operating a processor in a variable bit-length environment by performing a maximum limit function and minimum limit function. The method comprises accessing a most significant portion of a first number in a first register, wherein the most significant portion of the first number includes a first value. The method also includes accessing a most significant portion of a second number that includes a maximum/minimum limit, wherein the most significant portion of the second number includes a second value. The method includes changing the most significant portion of the first number to match the most significant portion of the second number if the first value is greater/less than the second value and storing the most significant portion of the first number in the first register.

Abstract: A scannable storage circuit is provided that has a separate a scan output buffer for driving the scan output. The scan output buffer is coupled to the storage element in a parallel manner with the data output buffer so that normal data propagation is not delayed. The scan output buffer is gated by a scan enable input so that the scan output is quiescent when the storage circuit is not in scan mode. The selectively enabled scan output buffer is embodied with only four transistors.

Abstract: A scannable storage circuit is provided that has a separate a scan output buffer for driving the scan output. The scan output buffer is coupled to the storage element in a parallel manner with the data output buffer so that normal data propagation is not delayed. The scan output buffer is gated by a scan enable input so that the scan output is quiescent when the storage circuit is not in scan mode. The selectively enabled scan output buffer is embodied with only four transistors.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, logic for limiting the value of a 64-bit number to a maximum limit in a 32-bit environment allocates one or more bit flags in a first operation. The logic accesses a most significant 32-bit portion of a first 64-bit number including a first value. The logic accesses a most significant 32-bit portion of a second 64-bit number including a maximum limit and a second value. The logic compares the first value with the second value and, if the first value is greater than the second value, sets the bit flags accordingly and changes the most significant 32-bit portion of the first 64-bit number to match the same of the second 64-bit number. If the first value is equal to the second value, the logic sets the one or more allocated bit flags accordingly. In a second operation following the first operation, the logic accesses the bit flags.