Method and apparatus for processing data in a reconfigurable manner

Abstract

Processor architecture adapts to input data. With each incoming data, the processor adapts in real-time. The structure of the processors is adapted by configuring a reconfigurable logic element. Reconfiguration occurs based on a portion of the input data to select a configuration map. The configuration map parallel loads the reconfigurable logic element, thus avoiding latency associated with reconfiguration.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This present application claims priority to currently pending application Ser. No. 10 / 686,940 filed on Oct. 15, 2003 entitled “Signal Processor with Fast Field Reconfigurable Data Path, Data Address Unit and Program Sequencer”, by Kenneth Garey which in turn claims priority to application Ser. No. 09 / 408,825 filed on Sep. 29, 1999 entitled “Signal Processor with Fast Field Reconfigurable Data Path, Data Address Unit and Program Sequencer” by Kenneth Garey which was pending at the time application Ser. No. 10 / 686,940 was filed.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Conventional systems that perform data processing do not possess the ability to adapt to various data types on which a data processor must operate. Specific application specific integrated circuitry or other processing circuitry geared and designed to execute specific and limited applications do provide for extremely fast processing, but at a cost of significantly limited functionality. In addition,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method for processing data in a reconfigurable manner. The method involves receiving input data, selecting a logic configuration based on the input data, and using the selected logic configuration to process the input data. The logic configuration can be selected based on the type of data being processed, and a new logic configuration can be selected if the previous one requires too much power. The invention also includes a data processing unit with a reconfigurable logic circuit and a configuration circuit that reconfigures the logic circuit based on the input data. The configuration circuit can select from a plurality of configuration maps and can generate a parallel configuration word to configure a plurality of logic elements simultaneously. The invention can also include a power monitor that determines the power consumed by the reconfigurable logic circuit and can select a different configuration map if the power exceeds a pre-established threshold."

Problems solved by technology

Conventional systems that perform data processing do not possess the ability to adapt to various data types on which a data processor must operate.

Specific application specific integrated circuitry or other processing circuitry geared and designed to execute specific and limited applications do provide for extremely fast processing, but at a cost of significantly limited functionality.

In addition, present signal processors do not provide hardware oriented solutions.

Conventional signal processors that employ hardware directed solutions typically provide a limited functionality to a plurality of input data and drive that plurality of input data to a next function.

In other words, conventional hardware solutions are geared primarily to perform a very limited number of functions.

Limitations of general purpose signal processors employing conventional techniques are numerous; however, a main limitation is an inability to perform a substantially wide variety of operations to accommodate various pluralities of input data.

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