Arithmetic Optimization techniques for Hardware and Software Design

Citation

Storch‐Rudall, Y.R. (2011), "Arithmetic Optimization techniques for Hardware and Software Design", Kybernetes, Vol. 40 No. 3/4, pp. 618-618. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2011.40.3_4.618.4

The title of this book indicates the authors' desire to concentrate their efforts on Arithmetic Optimisation. This does not necessarily infer that automation is a principal concern. Indeed the text provides a short guide to automated optimisation techniques for both hardware and software designs. The authors' maintain that such an approach will:

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  offer improved system performance;

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  much lower consumption of energy; and

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  reduce hand‐coding of arithmetic functions.

These results, it is claimed, will be achieved if readers will work through both the algorithms they provide and also the numerous worked examples. This will undoubtedly enable software compilers to write more efficient coding and also help them learn the techniques highlighted.

The book looks in some detail at high‐level compiler optimisations and high‐speed architectures which the authors claim will assist in the improved performance in:

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  communications;

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  signal processing;

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  computer graphics; and

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  cryptography.

Arithmetic concerns are met by the discussions about computer arithmetic and in particular a synthesis of arithmetic expressions.

The book is well worth reading and it does provide a guide, albeit concise, to the use of automated techniques for those involved with the designs for hardware and software systems. Such optimisation techniques are now essential as tools to be used in system design.

The book reaches both those who are interested in the new methods of software production and want to know about both automation and optimising. It could well be a good introduction to quite a wide range of readers, which would include students on computer courses and also those who consider themselves to be software engineers.