(1) Double-precision fixed-point would employ two times 24, or a 48-bit word length; double-precision floating-point would use a two times 32, or 64-bit mantissa .(2) The mantissa provides the significant information, or digits, and the exponent provides a scaling factor that shows how big the number is.(3) If you recall, run-of-the-mill DSPs typically store numbers as a floating-point, 24-bit mantissa and an 8-bit exponent.(4) In these cases, the 24-bit fixed standard is equivalent to the 24-bit mantissa , plus 8-bit exponent used in the 32-bit, floating-point version.(5) By choosing appropriate mantissas and exponents, we can increase the resolution at shallower depths and degrade it at greater depths.(6) Sharp and completely accurate visions of hexadecimal mantissas and binary fractions floated about my head, along with the sure and certain knowledge of how to convert them to something more useful.
