Modernization of the RT-32 Radio Telescope Data Acquisition System in Svetloe Observatory

D. A. Marshalov, A. S. Berdnikov, S. A. Grenkov, L. V. Fedotov, Yu. S. Sheinman, A. G. Mikhailov, A. B. Ustinov, I. A. Rahimov, A. V. Isaenko

Transactions of IAA RAS, issue 70, 39–49 (2024)

DOI: 10.32876/ApplAstron.70.39-49

Keywords: radio telescope, VLBI, data acquisition system, digital signal processing

Abstract

From 2011 up to the present, data acquisition systems R1002M have been successfully used on 32-meter radio telescopes (RT-32) of the “Quasar” VLBI network. Due to the use of digital signal processing at video frequencies (up to 32 MHz), the system has significantly reduced the instrumental losses that occur during signal conversion. The development of microelectronic element base and signal processing methods made it possible to construct a more advanced multifunctional digital backend system (MDBE) that processes signals in the intermediate frequency range (up to 2 GHz) in digital form. The MDBE is built on a modular principle, it has ample opportunities for reconfiguring operating modes, due to the field-programmable gate array. The design of the system ensures its placement on the movable part of the antenna Since 2020, the MDBE prototype has been routinely operated on the 13-meter radio telescope of the Svetloe observatory of the “Quasar” VLBI network. This year, work has begun on upgrading of the RT-32 radio telescope signal conversion system of the Svetloe Observatory by switching from R1002M to MDBE. To be placed on the RT-32 antenna, a minor modification of the hard-ware and expansion of the MDBE software was required, as well as interfacing with other systems and complexes of the radio telescope. The paper presents the changes introduced into the system and the current results of work on the modernization of signal conversion equipment on the RT-32 radio telescope, together with the results of test observations on the RT-32 using MDBE.

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