Application of the ICL distributed array processor to radar signal processing

RSRE are sponsoring the development of a fast and powerful signal processor based on the architecture of the ICL Distributed Array Processor (DAP). A number of application areas exist where a suitable signal processor is critical to continued success. Possible examples may be found in the fields of image processing, antenna array processing and multi-mode pulse Doppler radars. This latter application is being used as a 'pace setter' to establish the design and performance criteria which must be met. It is believed that the variety of tasks, the data rates, the computational load and programmability required for this application will demand an array processor solution which will be suitable for the many other applications. This chapter describes the evolution of the ICL DAP from its original implementation in MSI technology, when it was incorporated into the architecture of a large mainframe computer, to the ruggedised 'MIL' DAP currently under development in LSI technology. This will function as a compact stand-alone signal processor suitable for the multi-mode radar. It should perhaps be mentioned however that the DAP is not the only solution and in the UK individual radar manufacturers are pursuing their own architectures, which also show great potential.