Digitally Controlled Receiver

Digital computers have evolved to an active role as components in communication systems, performing such functions as data processing, executive and adaptive control, management of waveform, and antenna characteristic selection. At one time, the interface between communication equipment and data processing was clear. At present, however, the computer is capable of accomplishing, by using digital techniques, so many classically analog functions that there is basically no interface. The discussion considers the extent to which this trend toward full utilization of digital techniques can and should be extended.