Floating point vs fixed point dsp

In summary, floating-point DSPs are optimized for specialized, computationally intensive applications, whereas fixed-point DSPs are optimized for high-volume, general purpose applications. Development costs can be higher for fixed point, owing to the relative difficulty of algorithm implementation, but the cost of the ...

1. What is the difference between fixed-point and floating-point?
2. When should you use fixed-point over floating-point?
3. Is fixed-point faster than floating-point?
4. What is fixed and floating-point representation?

What is the difference between fixed-point and floating-point?

In fixed point notation, there are a fixed number of digits after the decimal point, whereas floating point number allows for a varying number of digits after the decimal point. This representation has fixed number of bits for integer part and for fractional part.

When should you use fixed-point over floating-point?

A fixed point number just means that there are a fixed number of digits after the decimal point. A floating point number allows for a varying number of digits after the decimal point. For example, if you have a way of storing numbers that requires exactly four digits after the decimal point, then it is fixed point.

Is fixed-point faster than floating-point?

Fixed-point computations can be faster and/or use less hardware than floating-point ones. If the range of the values to be represented is known in advance and is sufficiently limited, fixed point can make better use of the available bits.

What is fixed and floating-point representation?

Sign bit -The fixed-point numbers in binary uses a sign bit. A positive number has a sign bit 0, while a negative number has a sign bit 1. In floating-point representation, sign of a number always depends on mantissa, not on exponent. Hence sign bit in the format is always for mantissa and not for the exponent.