Microprocessors: Microprocessors talk it up: Micros, alone and in constellations, are star feature of new radio, telephone, data, and satellite systems

Whether it is a mobile radio, telephone, data, or satellite communication system, if it was developed during the past year or two, it probably includes at least one micro-computer. As the micro takes over one area of communications after another, the idea that computers-on-a-chip are replacements for hard-wired logic is being replaced by the realization that the micro introduces intelligence. Micros are magnificient in those communications applications where data bits are handled, at the system interfaces where human beings interact, and in communications control and switching functions. Right now, it seems they are too slow to handle hard-core communications tasks such as filtering, but for coding, formatting, displaying, monitoring, multiplexing, queuing, and microsecond-to-microsecond management of communications, the micros are proving a valuable resource.