A fine-grained MIMD (multiple-instruction, multiple-data) array processor for video applications that combines submicron technology, parallel processing, and dataflow programming is presented. The Datawave processor is used as the building block of this cellular, data-driven system architecture. The processor executes statically scheduled dataflow programs, and self-timed hardware mechanisms handle the asynchronous dataflows automatically and transparently. The architecture is discussed first at the array level and then at the cell level. It is shown how Datawave implements a four-tap finite impulse response filer and a real-time image codec. Program development tools for Datawave are discussed, and the chip itself is briefly described.
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