Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing local control of processing elements in a network of multiple context processing element are provided. A multiple context processing element is configured to store a number of configuration memory contexts. This multiple context processing element maintains data of a current configuration. State information is received from at least one other multiple context processing element. At least one configuration control signal is generated in response to the state information and the data of a current configuration. One of multiple configuration memory contexts is selected in response to the configuration control signal, the selected configuration memory context controlling the multiple context processing element. Each multiple context processing element in the networked array of multiple context processing elements has an assigned physical and virtual identification.

Abstract: An integrated dynamically programmable gate array comprises a two dimensional array of programmable gates. These gates can be implemented as look up tables but hardwired gates with programmable interconnections are also possible. Each one of the gates receives plural input logic signals from plural other gates. Consequently, a broad range of logic combinations are possible. The gates further include locally stored multiple contexts dictating different combinatorial logic operations performed by the gates. The contexts increase the logic operations performable by the gate and the fact that the contexts are locally stored enables better integration and speed. Only a context instruction needs to be distributed among programmable gates. A context signal generator is included that generates a context signal indicating a change in an active one of the contexts. This active context dictates the logic operations of the gates that commonly receive by the signal.