Integrated architecture for space-based and ground-based image processing

British Aerospace (Space Systems) Ltd. is currently developing an integrated digital signal and image processing architecture for the European Space Agency. It is intended that this multiprocessor architecture will become an open system standard for demanding space-based applications. The architecture is also directly applicable to many ground-based image processing applications. This paper presents the rationale behind the development of the integrated DSP/IP architecture and describes the various facets of the architecture (interprocessor communications, processing elements and control philosophy)