In 2000 we described a proposal for a logarithmic arithmetic unit, which we suggested would offer a faster, more accurate alternative to floating-point procedures. Would it in fact do so, and could it feasibly be integrated into a microprocessor so that the intended benefits might be realized? Here, we describe the European logarithmic microprocessor, a device designed around that unit, and compare its performance with that of a commercial superscalar pipelined floating-point processor. We conclude that the experiment has been successful, and that for 32-bit work, logarithmic arithmetic may now be the technique of choice.
['J. N. Coleman', 'Christopher I. Softley', 'Jiri Kadlec', 'Rudolf Matousek', 'Milan Tichy', 'Z. Pohl', 'Antonin Hermanek', 'Nico Benschop']
The European Logarithmic Microprocesor