Backend Signal Processing for uGMRT

The Backend system combines the signals from different antennas in the array and generates outputs to be used by the astronomer. In this presentation, we will take a look at the requirements, design aspects and the implementation details of the system developed for meeting the upgraded GMRT specifications. The main challenges in the Backend receiver development include, high-speed digitisation and data processing in real-time, handling of higher interference levels due to the wider
bandwidths being processed, need for highly stable and accurate clocks etc. The system has been developed on a state of the art hybrid platform utilising the capabilities of FPGA along with CPU and GPU processors. The approach helped in achieving a cost-effective and flexible solution with the complete signal processing software developed in-house. Later, we also look at the current developments and future plans for next-level upgrades in the Backend receiver which is expected to add new features and enhance the capabilities of the Telescope.

About the Speaker:

Shri Ajith Kumar. B, Engineer-G is working at NCRA-TIFR from September 1988. Currently, as the Group-head of the Backend Systems at GMRT he is responsible for the development and upkeep of the backend systems for the legacy as well as the upgraded Backend receivers. He completed his B.Tech (Electronics & Comm) from College of Engineering, Trivandrum in 1988 and M.Tech (Communication Engg) from IIT, Mumbai in 1999. He is involved in GMRT project from the initial planning and design stages of the legacy receiver. His area of interest include system level design, integration and testing, signal processing circuits, RFI cancellation schemes, T&F standards and clock distribution and Beamformers for Phased array feeds.