A hybrid pipelined path-searching architecture for multiple communications applications

A high-throughput architecture that can search for the shortest path within a graph is proposed. The architecture can decode any data encoded with a finite state machine or data encrypted in a dynamic trellis code, and also serve as a specialized processor for other searching and matching applications. The proposed retargetable architecture is suitable for futuristic workstations equipped with wireless access, basic voice recognition, and high speed data services. Balance between flexibility and hardware efficiency is achieved by an integrated design of architecture, in-place scheduling, and concurrent algorithms