Digital filtering for the SKA

Abstract

Due to the large volumes of data the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is expected to produce, high-speed communication systems will be required to transfer all the data from antenna receivers. These receivers convert the voltages picked up by radio telescopes to a digital format that can be processed by digital hardware. The sampled voltages are then fed to correlators, which allow for spatial filtering of these signals and produce high-resolution images of the sky. The aim of this project is to use Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platforms, mainly the ROACH2 board, to implement a specialised communication system between an existing SKA pathfinder - namely, the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope - and future instruments, mainly the SEPcam single station correlator. The implemented system will allow for an 8 Gbps data stream between the LOFAR stations and the correlator.