Flexibility of use of a data processing apparatus

Abstract

A data processing apparatus and method of configuration of such an apparatus are provided, the apparatus comprising a plurality of logic elements for processing data, a plurality of storage elements for temporarily storing data, and a plurality of connections from which data is passed between the logic elements. Each connection comprises one or more path portions separated by the storage elements. A number of the storage elements are selectable storage elements having a bypass path associated therewith, and a controller is provided for controlling the selection of each selectable storage element or its associated bypass path based on setup information, in order to enable a change in the number of path portions within one or more of the connections. This hence allows some configurability of the connections within the apparatus post-production, with operating conditions and other aspects affecting operating speed being taken into account when producing the setup information used by the controller to determine which selectable storage elements to use, and which ones to bypass.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.