A programmable element for data processing comprises a crosspoint switch (318), a mathematical operation module (320), and a plurality of data hold modules (604,606). Each of the data hold modules (604,606) receives data from the crosspoint switch (318) and communicates the data to an input of the mathematical operation module (320) such that data arrives at the inputs of the mathematical operation module (320) substantially simultaneously. A first data hold module (604) communicates a first data valid signal to a second data hold module (606) upon receipt of first valid data, and the second data hold module communicates a second data valid signal to the first data hold module upon receipt of second valid data. The first data hold module (604) communicates the first valid data to a first input upon receipt of the first valid data and the second data valid signal, and the second data hold module (606) communicates the second valid data to a second input upon receipt of the second valid data and the first data valid signal.