A Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer (Fourier‐transform mass spectrometer) is described which takes advantage of the speed and flexibility of a substantial array processor. Using this array processor, a preprogrammed instruction stack is read sequentially to generate the sequence of rf excitation waveforms applied to the transmitter plates, and the ion response signal is accumulated, processed, and transformed. Control, programming, storage, output, and display functions are handled by the host minicomputer system. Broadband capability allows data acquisition up to 3.5 MHz, giving the ability to acquire extended mass spectra in one pass. The rapid transforming capability of the processor makes it convenient to acquire frequency‐domain spectra in real time.