Abstract: A multiprocessor device capable of operating in both MIMD and SIMD modes which includes an array of parallel processor elements connected via link ports on each element. A multiplexing means is provided for dynamically configuring the connection topology between link ports so that a direct connection can be made between any two processor elements. Local dual-ported memory is associated with each processor element in the array and is connected through a first port to its associated processor element and through a second port to a multidimensional DMA controller. The DMA controller transfers data autonomously between the processor elements and global resources, including a global memory. For SIMD mode operations, the DMA controller broadcasts duplicate instructions to the dual-ported memory associated with each processor element, and the instructions are then executed by each processor in synchrony.