Compatible number representations

Abstract

A compatible number system for mixed fixed-point and floating-point arithmetic is described in terms of number formats and opcode sequences (for hardwired or microcoded control). This inexpensive system can be as fast as fixed-point arithmetic on integers, is faster than normalized arithmetic in floating point, gets answers identical to those of normalized arithmetic, and automatically satisfies the Algol-60 mixed-mode rules. The central concept is the avoidance of meaningless "normalization" following arithmetic operations. Adoption of this system could lead to simpler compilers.