Introduction to the configurable, highly parallel computer

When von Neumann computers were still new and exciting, scientists noted in popular accounts that unlike mechanical devices, computers are polymorphic-their function can be radically changed simply by changing programs. Polymorphism is fundamental, but this familiar and obvious fact receives little mention any more, even though it underlies important advances such as time-sharing and programmable microcode. Now, however, as we are confronted with the potential for highly parallel computers made possible by very-largescale integrated circuit technology, we may ask: What is the role of polymorphism in parallel computation? To answer this question, we must review the characteristics of parallel processing and the benefits and limitations of VLSI technology.