Public Static Function Pow2(ByVal Exponent As Long) As Long
' by Donald, donald@xbeat.net, 20001217
' * Power205
  Dim alPow2(0 To 31) As Long
  Dim i As Long
  
  Select Case Exponent
  Case 0 To 31
    ' initialize lookup table
    If alPow2(0) = 0 Then
      alPow2(0) = 1
      For i = 1 To 30
        alPow2(i) = alPow2(i - 1) * 2
      Next
      alPow2(31) = &H80000000
    End If
    ' return
    Pow2 = alPow2(Exponent)
  End Select
  
End Function