US Patent 7907610 Integrated circuit with internal communication network

An integrated circuit comprises a plurality of data processing circuits (10) and a communication network (12) coupled between the data processing circuits (10). The communication network (12) comprises connections (122) and router circuits (120) coupled between the connections (122). Memory is provided to store definitions for respective data streams, of respective paths along the connections (122), for controlling the router circuits (120) to transmit each data item from each respective data stream along the respective path programmed for that respective data stream. Initially initial paths for a set of original data streams are defined and started. Subsequently an additional data stream can be added. If so a new path is selected in combination with future paths for the original data streams. The combination of the new paths and the future paths is taken from selectable combinations that include at least one combination wherein an initial path for at least one of the original data streams has been rerouted with respect to the initial path. The initial path for the at least one of the original data streams is reprogrammed if the path for that original data stream is rerouted in the selected combination, without interrupting transmission of data items of data streams other than the at least one of the original data streams. Subsequently transmission of data items is started along the new path.