1. A programmable system comprising: a control module comprising: an embedded controller configured to perform real-time control and initialization; processing element configuration logic coupled to the embedded controller; a memory configured to store data and control signals; and a memory controller configured to control transfer of data and control signals, the memory controller coupled to the memory; and circuitry coupled to the control module to support data-flow driven execution of processing phases, the circuitry configured to process or transfer data and control signals, the circuitry comprising a plurality of processing elements connected in series, each of the plurality of processing elements comprising: a first signal path portion configured to carry data signals as well as control signals; a second signal path portion comprising: a data signal path for carrying data signals; and a control signal path for carrying control signals, the control signal path being different from the data signal path; a third signal path portion configured to carry data signals as well as control signals, the third signal path portion being different from the first signal path portion; a demultiplexer between the first signal path portion and the second signal path portion; and a multiplexer between the second signal path portion and the third signal path portion, wherein the first signal path portion, the demultiplexer, the second signal path portion, the multiplexer, and the third signal path portion are connected in series to allow data signals and control signals to flow from the first signal path portion to the demultiplexer, to the second signal path portion, to the multiplexer, and to the third signal path portion.