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.