Apparatus and method for processing data

A data processing apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of data processing modules;
• an external memory;
• and
• a controlling unit,
• wherein each of the plurality of data processing modules includes:
• a plurality of processing units each performing a respective one of process parts into which a predetermined process to be performed on data is divided;
• a changing unit that changes a connection between the plurality of processing units on the basis of setting parameters that are set to enable a plurality of types of processing procedures;
• a reading unit that includes a first address generating unit and a first buffer, the first address generating unit generating a read address on the basis of the setting parameters, and that reads data from the external memory on the basis of the read address and stores the data in the first buffer;
• and
• a writing unit that includes a second address generating unit and a second buffer, the second address generating unit generating a write address on the basis of the setting parameters, and that writes data stored in the second buffer to the external memory on the basis of the write address,
• wherein the plurality of processing units perform the plurality of corresponding process parts on the data stored in the first buffer and write the resulting data to the second buffer,
• wherein the controlling unit detects when the reading unit completes reading of data or when the writing unit completes writing of data and sets the setting parameters so as to control data processing by the data processing modules.