APPARATUS AND METHOD TO FIND THE MAXIMUM OR MINIMUM OF A SET OF NUMBERS

An apparatus for determining a best number, representing a maximum or minimum of a set of numbers, includes a first comparator 3 having a latency of at least one clock cycle to compare a current number with a current best score and to output a corresponding first comparator signal 7 and at least a second comparator 13 having a latency of at least one clock cycle to compare the current number with any other input number compared with a current best number while the current number was being processed through the apparatus and to output at least a corresponding second comparator signal 18. A combinatorial logic block 15 receives the comparator signals and outputs a corresponding signal 20 dependent thereon and on a flag signal 21 received from flagging means arranged to flag whether the current best number was updated for one or more preceding input numbers while the current number was being processed. A switch 6 outputs either the current best number, or the current number, as a new current best number, dependent upon the combinatorial logic block signal. A resultant reduction in logic steps processed in each clock cycle permits an increased clock frequency compared with the prior art.