Abstract
A method for determining a logarithmic functional unit comprises providing a segment number; using the segment number to determine a piecewise linear approximation on a plurality of corresponding intervals for approximating a function for converting a fraction; providing a bit precision; converting endpoints separating the plurality of intervals to corresponding binary endpoints separating an additional plurality of intervals in the bit precision; determining an adjusted piecewise linear approximation that has an approximation error less than a threshold and is on the additional plurality of intervals; encoding coefficients of the adjusted piecewise linear approximation; determining a less precise approximation from the adjusted piecewise linear approximation as a candidate linear approximation, wherein the less precise approximation uses an argument value having a least bit-width while still being able to have an approximation error less than the threshold; and implementing the less precise approximation to obtain an implementation circuit.