An example method of controlling a data processing system having a cellular structure. The method includes transmitting a first configuration word to a first processing unit in the cellular structure. The method also includes processing data with the first processing unit in accordance with the first configuration word. The method also includes transmitting a second configuration word to the first processing unit. The method also includes transmitting a reconfiguration signal to the first unit, the reconfiguration signal indicating that the first unit should begin processing data in accordance with the second configuration word. If the first processing unit has completed processing data in accordance with the first configuration word prior to when the reconfiguration signal is received by the first processing unit, data may be processed by the first processing unit in accordance with the second configuration word. If the first processing unit has not completed processing data in accordance with the first configuration word, data may continue to be processed with the first processing unit in accordance with the first configuration word.