A distributed VLSI architecture for efficient signal and data processing

The machine described, the Hughes Data-Flow Multiprocessor (HDFM), is a high-performance, scalable, fault-tolerant, highly programmable multicomputer designed for embedded signal and data processing applications. The architecture of the machine is described in detail, and the influences on the final design of various requirements such as weight, size, power consumption, performance level and reliability are shown. The processing elements have been designed to reduce the number of VLSI component types required and for modularity of the physical system. The modular nature of the architecture allows a range of throughput and reliability requirements to be met. The model of execution, derived from original data-flow principles, is presented, as well as the various software tools which give the system its high-level language programmability. Complex constructs (such as large structure handling) are demonstrated. The results of a deterministic simulation of the machine show that a 64-processing-element machine may provide real throughput of 64 million instructions per second (MIPS).