FIELD PROGRAMMABLE PROCESSOR USING DEDICATED ARITHMETIC FIXED FUNCTION PROCESSING ELEMENTS

A field programmable processor includes a regular array of processing elements, each of which is adapted to perform a fixed arithmetic function on packets of data. The processing elements are interconnected by an array of signal conductors extending adjacent the processing elements. Switching means are provided for selectively connecting the processing elements to the adjacent signal conductors so as to interconnect the processing elements. Program data representing desired processing element interconnections is stored, the switches are controlled in accordance with the stored program data to achieve the desired processing element interconnections. The packets of data are transmitted between the interconnected processing elements.