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Re: I vote NO on Motion P1788/M0024.02:RoundedOperations

Dan Zuras wrote:

Dan Zuras wrote:
> Ulrich,
>
> I quote from your motion:
>
> Instead, a future interval arithmetic standard should
> require that EVERY FUTURE PROCESSOR shall provide the
> 16 operations listed above as distinct instructions.
>
> (emphasis yours in bold).

Dan,

You are quoting version 1 of the motion from 4/15/2011.

We are voting on the friendly amedment made by Prof. Kulisch on 4/29/2011
which changed that passage to:
"The operations with the directed roundings should be implemented directly 
in hardware for efficiency reasons."
There were also a few other changes based on comments made earlier by Prof. 
Fahmy and others.

I hope people are basing their votes on the right motion!

Nate


Hmm.  Interesting.  We have 3 files here.

The file Prof Kulisch posted on 4/15 is called RoundOper.pdf

I am quoting from the file that is on the motions website as
documentation for motion 24 which is motion24roundOper.pdf.

It is the file I consulted when I made up my mind & it contains
the passage you see above.
Ah, dang. I don't have the current password to the motions website, but I take your word for it...
as Vladik suggests, maybe it is appropriate to clarify and restart the vote; or perhaps it is enough just to clarify and then proceed with voting (people can choose to change thier votes or not at thier own discretion). 




But you are correct, the file Ulrich posted on 4/29 under the
name RoundOper1.pdf contains the modified passage:

The operations with the directed roundings SHOULD be
implemented directly in hardware for efficiency reasons.

However, the paragraph that now preceeds that passage states:

Every IEEE 1788 compliant system SHALL provide the 8
operations with the directed roundings by distinct
operation codes. Each of the 8 operations SHALL be
callable as a single instruction. The rounding SHALL
be an integral part of the arithmetic operation.
Employing an operation with a directed rounding must
be as simple as employing the corresponding operation
with rounding to nearest.

(emphasis his in bold).

Do you REALLY think that's an improvement?
If you believe conforming systems must provide the 8 distinct rounded operations, though not necessarily in hardware, then it seems the language is an improvement... though if we wish to split hairs it may still be necessary to give specific definitions for the terms "operation codes" and "instruction". Usually these terms are associated with hardware implementations. 

Nate




I think the intent is clear & it does not change my mind.
All my arguments apply to this motion as well as the other.

I guess I vote NO whichever is the correct motion.


Dan