Single datapath floating point implementation of RCP, SQRT, EXP and LOG functions and a low latency RCP based on the same techniques

Abstract

Methods and apparatus is provided for computing mathematical functions comprising a single pipeline for performing a polynomial approximation (e.g. a quadratic polynomial approximation, or the like); and one or more data tables corresponding to at least one of the RCP, SQRT, EXP or LOG functions operable to be coupled to the single pipeline according to one or more opcodes; wherein the single pipeline is operable for computing at least one of RCP, SQRT, EXP or LOG functions according to the one or more opcodes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Apparatus for computing mathematical functions comprising:
 a single pipeline for performing a polynomial approximation, the single pipeline comprising one or more stages; and   one or more data tables corresponding to the at least one of the RCP, SQRT, EXP or LOG functions operable to be coupled to the single pipeline according to one or more opcode;   wherein each data table includes less than 1000 entries;   wherein the polynomial approximation includes a polynomial of second degree or higher;   wherein the single pipeline is operable for computing at least one of RCP, SQRT, EXP or LOG functions according to the one or more opcodes.