Apparatuses and methods are presented for a hierarchical processor. The
processor comprises, at a first level of hierarchy, a plurality of
similarly structured first level components, wherein each of the
plurality of similarly structured first level components includes at
least one combined function module capable of performing multiple classes
of graphics operations, each of the multiple classes of graphics
operations being associated with a different stage of graphics
processing. The processor comprises, at a second level of hierarchy, a
plurality of similarly structured second level components positioned
within each one of the plurality of similarly structured first level
components, wherein each of the plurality of similarly structured second
level components is capable of carrying out different operations from the
multiple classes of graphics operations, wherein each first level
component is adapted to distribute work to the plurality of similarly
structured second level components positioned within the first level
component.