A programmable filter processor which is adaptable to different filtering algorithms, a plurality of different software algorithms being executable, the programmable filter processor including a logic unit which includes a plurality of pipeline stages; a first memory in which the software algorithms are stored; a second memory in which raw data and parameters for the different filter algorithms are stored; and an address generating unit which is controllable via a program counter, the address generating unit being developed to generate control commands for the second memory and the logic unit.