Adaptive satellite communications under computer control

The influence of increased computing power through microprocessors is seen as influencing design in two ways. The first is that it alters the concepts upon which payloads are based; the second is that it makes possible an extension of technology to cope with these demands. Microprocessor technology not only influences equipment design, it also affects the nature of the communication information itself by increasing data traffic and making digital transmission preferable. The influences of the technology in payloads is discussed here by using a particular example in which high capacity data transmission is foreseen.