Vector processing unit

A data processing system comprising:

• memory means for storing instruction words and operands;
• a central processing unit (CPU) connected to said memory means for fetching and decoding instructions and controlling execution of instructions, including transfer of operands to and from said memory means, the control of execution of instructions is effected by a CPU clock and microprogram control means connected to said CPU clock for generating periodic execution control signals in synchronism with said CPU clock;
• vector processing means tightly coupled to said CPU for effecting data processing on vector data;
• and
• interconnection means, connecting said CPU and said vector processing means, including operand transfer lines for transfer of vector data between said CPU and said vector processing means, control lines, status lines for signalling conditions of said vector processor means to said CPU, and a vector timing signal line connected to one of said execution control signals from said microprogram control means, whereby said vector processing means receives periodic execution control signals at the clock rate and is synchronized with said CPU clock on a clock pulse by clock pulse basis during execution of instructions.