RF photonic transversal signal processors, which combine reconfigurable
electrical digital signal processing and high-bandwidth photonic
processing, provide a powerful solution for achieving adaptive
high-speed information processing. Recent progress in optical microcomb
technology provides compelling multi-wavelength sources with compact
footprint, yielding a variety of microcomb-based RF photonic transversal
signal processors implemented by either discrete or integrated
components. Although operating based on the same principle, processors
in these two forms exhibit distinct performance. This letter presents a
comparative investigation into their performance. First, we compare the
performance of state-of-the-art processors, focusing on the processing
accuracy. Next, we analyze various factors that contribute to the
performance differences, including tap number and imperfect response of
experimental components. Finally, we discuss the potential for future
improvement. These results provide a comprehensive comparison of
microcomb-based RF photonic transversal signal processors implemented
using discrete and integrated components and provide insights for their
future development.