Reconngurable Processor Architectures Submitted for a Special-issue of \microprocessors and Microsystems" on Hardware/software Codesign

No particular application is well-supported by a conventional microprocessor which has a predetermined set of functional units. This is particularly true in highly dynamic areas, such as multi-media, communications and other embedded systems. We suggest that additional silicon is used to provide hardware which can be dynamically conngured to support any application. By combining a conventional microprocessor and FPGA reconngurable logic on one chip, commodity pricing is maintained and yet the same part can eeectively support a wide range of applications. A novel FPGA architecture is outlined which is particularly suitable for this style of implementation.