This chapter describes the building block methodology whereby VLSI circuits are identified which support an architectural concept designed to provide commonality across a wide range of signal processing functions such as beamforming, filtering and spectrum analysis and common to many sonar applications. In addition the architecture is designed so that future sonar systems may be realised with modules (function units comprised of VLSI circuits) configured using simple guidelines and computer-aided design methodology to minimise the design-resource requirements. This is in contrast to the "modular functional element" architectural concepts proposed by Koral, which combined LSI building blocks at a much lower level.

Inspec keywords: CAD; very high speed integrated circuits; electrical engineering computing; sonar signal processing

Other keywords: spectrum analysis; beamforming; sonar systems; VLSI circuits; modular functional element architectural concepts; computer-aided design methodology; signal processing functions; high speed integrated devices

Subjects: Sonar and acoustic radar