A modular approach to signal processing

Abstract

This paper outlines work in progress on modular systems for beamforming and signal processing. The modules described were developed using commercially available digital L.S.I circuits and the emphasis during development has been on ease of use and overall flexibility, so that the modules can be applied effectively to a wide range of different sonar problems. The modules themselves are essentially hardware blocks, but they are under the control of a microprocessor which enables the function of the module to be microprogrogrammed for particular applications. The power of the system is matched to that required for a particular application by use of a parallel processing architecture, so that the system can be developed cost effectively.