Description
This thesis presents design techniques for floating-point computation in VLSI. A basis for area-time design decisions for arithmetic and memory operations is formulated from a study of computationally intensive programs. Tradeoffs in the design and implementation of an efficient coprocessor interface are studied, together with the implications of hardware support for the IEEE Floating-Point Standard. Algorithm area-time tradeoffs for basic arithmetic functions are analyzed in light of changing technology. Details of a single-chip floating-point unit designed into two micron CMOS for SPUR are described, including special design considerations for very wide datapaths. The pervasive effects of scaling technology on different levels of design are explored, from devices and circuits, through logic and micro-architecture, to algorithms and systems.