Transputer array signal processor

Conventional solution to high bandwidth real-time processing requirements are dedicated, non-programmable signal processors. Over the past 20 years (1970-90), the advances of integrated circuit technology, leading to current VLSI, have improved the flexibility of systems but the customer requirement has never fallen behind the capability of the technology. In the case of static/ship-borne surveillance radars this has lead to continuous re-development against low volume production. Additionally, every customer has particular requirements or site anomalies that have to be addressed. The author looks at the current situation and explains how and why array technology can be used for signal processing. The capabilities of a transputer are outlined and a specific transputer array signal processor from Marconi is described