在很多方面,空用计算机呈现类似于小型计算机(Minicomputer)的特性。然而,在很多领域,它们又存在着明显的差别。民用计算机的设计者主要关心的是性能与成本的折衷,而空用计算机的设计者却要附加上一些约束和要求,例如:体积小、重量轻、低功耗、环境坚固性、实时工作能力、可靠性和可维护性。在很多现代武器系统里,还要容许核辐照。此外,在高频无线电干扰RFI的环境里,使用不稳压电源工作时,计算机也必须不能降低性能。根据不同的应用,空用计算机的性能要求可以在很宽的范围内变化。在早期的航空电子学系统里,计算机仅只完成简单导航、驾驶、武器投递和单目标跟踪等功能。后来,这些要求不断扩展到包括最佳导航、多目标跟踪、显示控制、通讯系统的监视和控制、机用测试和雷达控制。而今日的系统则增加了更复杂的要求,有些要求乃是以前不存在的或者是属于专用处理机的。这些功能中典型的是雷达和电子对抗(ECM)数据处理以 In many ways, empty computers have characteristics similar to Minicomputer. However, there are obvious differences in many areas. Civil computer designers are mainly concerned with the trade-off between performance and cost, while empty computer designers have to add some constraints and requirements such as: small size, light weight, low power consumption, rugged environment, real-time working ability , Reliability and maintainability. In many modern weapon systems, nuclear irradiation is also to be tolerated. In addition, computers must also not degrade performance when operating with an unregulated power supply in environments where RFIs interfere with RFI. Depending on the application, the performance requirements of empty computers can vary widely. In early avionics systems, computers were limited to functions such as simple navigation, driving, weapon delivery and single-target tracking. Later, these requirements continued to be extended to include best-in-class navigation, multi-target tracking, display control, monitoring and control of communication systems, machine testing and radar control. Today’s systems add more complex requirements, some of which were not previously available or belong to dedicated processors. Typical of these functions are radar and electronic countermeasures (ECM) data processing