Floating-Point Coprocessor
TLDR: A floating-point coprocessor is a specialized hardware component designed to handle complex mathematical operations involving floating-point numbers, such as division, multiplication, and trigonometric functions. Introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, these coprocessors were initially used alongside main processors like the Intel 8086 to enhance computational efficiency. By offloading floating-point calculations from the CPU, floating-point coprocessors accelerated tasks in scientific computing, graphics, and engineering applications.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating-point_unit
One notable example of a floating-point coprocessor is the Intel 8087, launched in 1980, which introduced the x87 floating-point instruction set. These coprocessors worked in tandem with the CPU, processing mathematical instructions in parallel to improve performance. Floating-point coprocessors supported multiple precision formats, including 32-bit, 64-bit, and 80-bit operations, adhering to standards like IEEE 754. Their precision and speed made them indispensable for applications requiring high computational accuracy, such as CAD, simulations, and financial modeling.
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/docs/processors/8087-numerics-processor.html
As processors evolved, the functionality of floating-point coprocessors was integrated directly into modern CPUs, eliminating the need for separate hardware. Today, built-in floating-point units (FPUs) perform the same tasks as their predecessors, ensuring consistent performance across a wide range of devices. However, the legacy of floating-point coprocessors lies in their role in shaping high-performance computing, making complex mathematical operations feasible for personal and professional computing systems alike.