Function resources/memory resources and an associated resource controller configured to assign a first portion of the function resources/memory resources to at least one processing element in response to an access request from the processing element. The resource controller changes a power mode of the first portion of the function resources/memory resources as a function of the first portion assignment, and leaves an unassigned portion of the function resources/memory resources in a power down mode in a self-governing nature. The resource controller enables the processing element to access the first portion of the function resources/memory resources in response to the access request received from the processing element. The function resources/memory resources, resource controllers and one or more processing elements may comprise a system on a chip (SoC).