A VLIW processor comprising a plurality of functional units (1, 3, 5, 7), a distributed register file (9, 11, 13, 15) accessible by the functional units (1, 3, 5, 7), a partially connected communication network (17) for coupling the functional units (1, 3, 5, 7) and selected parts of the distributed register file (9, 11, 13, 15), characterized in that the VLIW processor further comprise a communication device (29) for coupling the functional units (1, 3, 5, 7) and the distributed register file (9, 11, 13, 15).