Array processors are generally used as attached processors to increase the throughput of a host computer. As defined in this survey, array processors are 32-bit scalar machines performing high-speed mathematical computations over streams of data as firmware subroutines called by the host. Currently, these processors typically produce peak performance in the range of 5 to 100 MFLOPS and are used mostly in signal and image processing.

This survey focused on how technology, markets, and applications will evolve in the array processor industry. It was conducted with the participation of researchers in the field and technical and management principals in the industry.

Questions asked in the survey cover topics from recent and future technology advances, market trends, types of host computers, and types of users and applications to forecasts of new entries in the field, technological and market pitfalls, and possible impacts of optical array processors and other developments. The editor gives a brief discussion of how the array processor industry will evolve in the next decade. As the cost/performance ratio of workstations continues to improve, array processors will have to become low-cost ($2000 or less) and high-performance (100 or more MFLOPS) products with good modular software support (more than 5000 routines) in order to stay competitive. This report is particularly useful for managers of product development and marketing in the computer industry as well as in scientific applications.