Abstract: A reconfigurable integrated circuit is provided wherein the available hardware resources can be optimised for a particular application. Dynamically reconfiguring (in both real-time and non real-time) the available resources and sharing a plurality of processing elements with a plurality of controller elements achieve this. In a preferred embodiment the integrated circuit includes a plurality of processing blocks, which interface to a reconfigurable interconnection means. A processing block has two forms, namely a shared resource block and a dedicated resource block. Each processing block consists of one or a plurality of controller elements and a plurality of processing elements. The controller element and processing element generally comprise diverse rigid coarse and fine grained circuits and are interconnected through dedicated and reconfigurable interconnect. The processing blocks can be configured as a hierarchy of blocks and or fractal architecture.

Abstract: Pre-amplifier apparatus, for use for example in a home hi-fi system, comprises a plurality of software and or firmware definable logic blocks used to configure the apparatus to implement the desired audio processing functions and audio protocols for use in different audio systems. The apparatus is also modular allowing expansion through the use of mezzanine and or PC cards, which contain, amongst other things, signal processing logic and programmable logic. All signal processing is performed in the digital domain so any analogue input signals are first converted to digital signals using analogue to digital converter means. Remote audio feedback to the apparatus allows the apparatus to adapt in real time to the desired acoustic settings.