1. A system for translating an M-bit input to an N-bit output, where M>N, using a cumulative-monotonic input-output transfer function, comprising: means for storing 2 N M-bit digital words defining breakpoints of said input-output transfer function in a reverse look up table (LUT) in which each address of said reverse LUT represents an output of said input-output transfer function and data of said reverse LUT are said breakpoints being stored; and means for comparing said M-bit input to said breakpoints to obtain a breakpoint, searching said reverse LUT for an address of said reverse LUT corresponding to said obtained breakpoint, and providing an output of said input-output transfer function represented by said found address.