Partial-sized priority encoder circuit having look-ahead capability
US5265258A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/30043
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In an integrated circuit microprocessor, an M-bit priority encoder circuit indicates the highest priority bit position that is set in a first portion of an N-bit (N generally being greater than M) data word and provides control information regarding the number of bits that are set. If more than one bit is set, the highest priority bit is reset, the first portion is re-analyzed, and highest priority bit information and control information are again provided. If only one bit or no bit is set in the first portion, a second portion is analyzed, and highest priority bit information and control information regarding the second portion is provided. Analysis of the second portion, and of any subsequent portions, continues in similar fashion until no further bit positions are determined to be set in the data word.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.