16. A short-word division method for use in a multiple modulus conversion (MMC) procedure, said MMC procedure obtaining a plurality of index values K.sub.0 -K.sub.L-1 associated with a respective plurality of moduli M.sub.0 -M.sub.L-1 said short-word division method comprising the steps of: initializing a variable k such that k=0; representing a binary expression (R.sub.k) as a number of short words, each of said short words having at least b bits; performing a short word division operation to determine a quotient (R.sub.k=1) and a remainder ##EQU23## and repeating said representing and performing steps for incremental values of k to thereby obtain said plurality of index values K.sub.0 -K.sub.L-1.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein: said repeating step is successively performed for values of k up to k=L-2; and when k=L-2, K.sub.k+1 =K.sub.L-1 =R.sub.k+1.