The DAP/DNA processor consists of a core, with ALUs and other functional cells arranged in the form of a matrix, a RISC processor core, configuration memories, cache memory, etc. |
The start-up company IP Flex claims to have solved this problem with its processor called the DAP/DNA (digital application processor/distributed network architecture). The device boasts performance equivalent to or better than an ASIC, can be designed as quickly as a µP or FPGA, and can be reconfigured.
This device comprises a signal processor core, DNA Matrix, a RISC processor core, configuration memory, cache memory, and other components. The functional cells of the DNA Matrix, such as the 32-bit ALUs and shifter, are arranged in a matrix array. There are between 2,000 and 10,000 gates per functional cell, and over 100 ALUs inside the device.
A dedicated circuit in the DNA Matrix is formed to enable simultaneous processing by several ALUs. For example, four ALUs can be combined for 128-bit processing. “The maximum capacity is determined by the number of calculation units inside the DNA |
Matrix. Performance is enhanced if the number of calculation units is increased, or the accumulation scale is raised,” explains Mr. Kosuke Shiba, department manager at IP Flex’s R&D Center.
Cell-based ASICs are a common choice for processing fixed algorithms for images, voice, and encryption. However, designing ASICs is time-consuming, and they are not reconfigurable. While µPs and FPGAs could be used in place of ASICs and can be reconfigured, their performance is not good enough. 
