Architectures and methods for dividing processing tasks into tasks for a

Abstract

Architectures and methods are provided for efficiently dividing a processing task into tasks for a programmable real time signal processor (SPROC) and tasks for a decision-making microprocessor. The SPROC is provided with a non-interrupt structure where data flow is through a multiported central memory. The SPROC is also programmed in an environment which requires nothing more than graphic entry of a block diagram of the user's design. In automatically implementing the block diagram into silicon, the SPROC programming/development environment accounts for and provides software connection and interfaces with a host microprocessor. The programming environment preferably includes: a high-level computer screen entry system which permits choosing, entry, parameterization, and connection of a plurality of functional blocks; a functional block cell library which provides source code representing the functional blocks; and a signal processor scheduler/compiler which uses the functional block cell library and the information entered into the high-level entry system to compile a program and to output source program code for a program memory and source data code for the data memory of the (SPROC), as well as a symbol table which provides a memory map which maps SPROC addresses to variable names which the microprocessor will refer to in separately compiling its program.