A fast Fourier transform (FFT) based sonar signal processor

The design for a convolution processor is presented, which employs a single highly parallel implementation of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. This processor is eminently suited for real-time matched filtering of coded signals encountered in sonar systems. Computer simulations have shown that this processor, which uses fixed point arithmetic and modest word sizes, can efficiently handle signals with multiple targets and relatively large Doppler shifts. The parallel architecture provides a throughput rate sufficient for computing both forward and inverse transforms in the one processor. The system is flexible permitting frequency domain adaptive beam-forming, attractive in many sonar applications.