Apparatus and method to find the maximum or minimum of a set...

Details Apparatus and method to find the maximum or minimum of a set... Apparatus and method to find the maximum or minimum of a set...

2006-10-27

2009-06-23

Hotaling, John M (Department: 3714)

Electrical computers: arithmetic processing and calculating

Electrical digital calculating computer

Particular function performed

C708S200000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07552155

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus for determining a best number, representing a maximum or minimum of a set of numbers, includes a first comparator3having a latency of at least one clock cycle to compare a current number with a current best score and to output a corresponding first comparator signal7and at least a second comparator13having a latency of at least one clock cycle to compare the current number with any other input number compared with a current best number while the current number was being processed through the apparatus and to output at least a corresponding second comparator signal18. A combinatorial logic block15receives the comparator signals and outputs a corresponding signal20dependent thereon and on a flag signal21received from flagging means arranged to flag whether the current best number was updated for one or more preceding input numbers while the current number was being processed. A switch6outputs either the current best number, or the current number, as a new current best number, dependent upon the combinatorial logic block signal. A resultant reduction in logic steps processed in each clock cycle permits an increased clock frequency compared with the prior art.

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