Besides, the individual rf components like synthesizers, attenuators, switches etc. that make up a system are all digitally controlled. You don't need much of a

Besides, the individual rf components like synthesizers, attenuators, switches etc. that make up a system are all digitally controlled. You don't need much of a microcontroller to control them - I generally just use a PIC - but you need something. And once you have a product with a serial or USB interface, some manager is sure to ask if you can add a LAN connection.