In a first aspect, a first method of reciprocal estimate computation using
floating point pipeline logic is provided. The first method includes the
steps of (1) receiving an input value having an exponent and a mantissa
when represented as a floating point number on which a reciprocal
estimate computation is to be performed; (2) determining whether the
exponent is one of a plurality of predetermined numbers; and (3) if the
exponent is one of the plurality of predetermined numbers, adjusting at
least one of a plurality of modified mantissa bits (e.g., mantissa bits
internal to leading zero anticipator (LZA) logic) and the exponent so as
to prevent an underflow result of the reciprocal estimate computation.
Numerous other aspects are provided.