Floating-point processors capable of performing multiply-add (Madd)
operations and incorporating improved intermediate result handling
capability. The floating-point processor includes a multiplier unit
coupled to an adder unit. In a specific operating mode, the intermediate
result from the multiplier unit is processed (i.e., rounded but not
normalized or denormalized) into representations that are more accurate
and easily managed in the adder unit. By processing the intermediate
result in such manner, accuracy is improved, circuit complexity is
reduced, operating speed may be increased.