The paper discusses the implementation of fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithms using members of the Am29500 family of microprocessors and peripherals. First the suitability of the Am29500 family for signal processing applications is discussed. The architectural requirements of FFT processors are then outlined. A parallel processing architecture using pipelining is developed and the microprogramming of the system is described. Timing and implementation details, together with some practical test results, are given. The paper concentrates mainly on radix-2 decimation-in-time (DIT) FFT computations, but the architecture described can be applied to variable-radix processors running DIT or DIF (decimation-in-frequency) algorithms. © 1987, All rights reserved.