Special-purpose computer for video signal processing in radar systems

A special-purpose computer for processing video signals in radar systems is presented. The main part of the computer is an array of Q processing elements (PEs), all driven by the same microprogrammed control block. Each PE handles four bits in parallel, and carries out arithmetic and logic operations on operands from 4¿¿16 bits long. It contains a local memory and an unconventional microprocessor designed to be custom integrated on a 40-pin chip. A set of problem-oriented instructions has been defined, giving efficient implementation of algorithms used in radar computations. The computer can assume different configurations, making it suitable for a large class of radar systems.