Q

Q refers to a number format that is a fixed point where the number of fractional bits and sometimes the integer bits are specified. Due to its nature, the format is commonly used in hardware that does not feature a floating-point unit, applications that require constant resolution or anywhere you need to employ rational number calculations.

Q is a lightweight application that enables you to convert data between decimal and Q format and that can display the results as hex, binary or decimal.

The program is portable and hence, does not require you install or configure it in any way. Upon launch, you are welcome by a small and intuitive GUI that consists of a single window and that is unlikely to give you any troubles. The interface consists of two main section, the Configuration in the upper area and Conversion in the lower one.

As you probably hinted, to convert numbers you simply need to type or paste them in their corresponding box. As far as the configuration is concerned, you can specify if you want the bits signed or unsigned, word size and the number of fraction bits. Take note that the minimum and maximum decimal numbers are shown as well.

The program can come in handy if you are trying to implement integer hardware at a lower cost, as many digital signal processors are designed to calculate arithmetic operation only on integer numbers. Since in this example the binary point matters and can be interpreted as several values, using the Q format notation that entails a fixed binary can make programming simpler.

Regardless of the type of calculations you need to make or the project you want to implement, Q provides a quick way to convert between real and Q format numbers so that your programming or calculations are easier.