The ManArrayTM embedded processor architecture

The BOPS(R) ManArray^TM architecture is presented as a scalable DAP platform for the embedded processor domain. In this domain, ManArray-based processors use a single architecture definition, that supports multiple configurations of processing elements (PEs) from low end single PE to large arrays of PEs, and single tool set. The ManArray (selectable) parallelism architecture mixes control oriented operations, VLIWs, packed data operations, and distributed array processing in a cohesive, independently selectable manner. In addition, scalable conditional execution and single-cycle communications across a high connectivity, low cost network are integrated in the architecture. This allows another level of selectivity that enhances the application of the parallel resources that enhances the application of the parallel resources to high performance algorithms. Coupled with the array DSP is a scalable DMA engine that runs in the background and provides programmer-selectable data-distribution patterns and a high-bandwidth data-streaming interface to system peripherals and global memory. This paper introduces the embedded scalable ManArray architecture and a number of benchmarks. For example, a standard ASIC flow DSP/coprocessor core, the BOPS2040, can process a distributed 256-point complex FFT in 425 cycles and an 8×8 2D IDCT that meets IEEE standards in 34 cycles