Method for extending the exponent range of an IBM 370-type float

Details Method for extending the exponent range of an IBM 370-type float Method for extending the exponent range of an IBM 370-type float

1984-05-25

1986-07-29

Shoop, Jr., William M.

Communications: electrical

Audible indication

Percussion-type sound producer

364748, 235310, H03M 112

Patent

active

046033238

ABSTRACT:
A method for extending the exponent range in an IBM System/370-type floating point arithmetic processor. Very large or very small numbers are represented by a pair of words having sign, exponent, and fraction portions thereof. If the signs of the low- and high-order words of a pair are the same, then the number is deemed to be in the ordinary processor operating range. However, if the signs differ, then the number is deemed to be out of range. In this case, a range extension is obtained by using the exponent field of the low-order word which otherwise would be transparent to the floating point processor.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3400371 (1968-09-01), Amdahl et al.
patent: 3742198 (1973-06-01), Morris
IBM System/370 Principles of Operation, IBM Publication GA 22-7000-G, 7th Edition, Chapter 9, Mar. 1980.

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