The Practice of Using the Multifunctional Digital Backend System in the Quasar VLBI Network

Yu. S. Bondarenko, D. A. Marshalov, E. V. Nosov, L. V. Fedotov

Transactions of IAA RAS, issue 57, 3–9 (2021)

DOI: 10.32876/ApplAstron.57.3-9

Keywords: radio telescope, digital backend, radio astronomy observations, VLBI

Abstract

The new Multifunctional Digital Backend system (MDBE) has been developed to replace the systems currently used on the radio telescopes of the Quasar VLBI Network. The use of MDBE makes it possible not only to increase the efficiency of the equipment used on the radio telescope, but also to improve the parameters of this equipment, which directly affect the results of radio astronomy observations. The article is devoted to the generalization of the experience of using MDBE on RT-32 and RT-13 radio telescopes, as well as the analysis of the results obtained with the help of this equipment. The possibility of using MDBE channels for radiometric record of signals was investigated on the RT-32 radio telescope and confirmed using a prototype of the system. The description of the test procedure of the MDBE on the RT-32 radio telescope and the results obtained during these tests are given. The information about experimental sessions of VLBI observations with the participation of MDBE on the RT-13 radio telescope is given. The results of these sessions confirmed the compatibility of MDBE with standard domestic and foreign systems. The parameters, methodology and results of the use of MDBE during experimental radar observations of the Moon are considered. After installation on the RT-13 radio telescope at the Svetloe Observatory, the MDBE participates in all regular scheduled VLBI observations in the normal mode. The analysis of the use of MDBE in such observations since September 2020 is given. Experimental studies of MDBE on the radio telescopes of the Quasar VLBI Network and experimental operation of this system at the Svetloe Observatory have shown that, in terms of its parameters and characteristics, MDBE surpasses the Data Acquisition Systems and the existed backends previously used on the radio telescopes of the Quasar VLBI Network. MDBE provides signal conversion for both broadband and narrowband registration during VLBI observations, makes it possible to conduct radar observations of the Moon. The use of MDBE allows in the future abandoning separate recording systems for radiometric and spectral observations. MDBE provides observations in various modes without replacing equipment and allows improving the obtained results.

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