Computationally efficient mathematical engine

A method and apparatus perform many different types of algorithms that utilizes a calculation unit capable of utilizing the same multipliers for different algorithms. The calculation unit preferably includes a processor that has a plural number of arithmetic logic unit circuits that are configured to process data in parallel to provide processed data outputs and an adder tree configured to add the processed data outputs from the arithmetic logic circuits. A shift register that has more parallel data outputs then the processor's inputs is controlled to selectively output data from the parallel outputs to the data inputs of the processor. A communication device preferably includes the calculation unit to facilitate processing of wireless communication signals.