Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Alma and E-merlin Data Transmission Systems: Lessons for Ska

  • Data Transport
  • Published:
Experimental Astronomy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

ALMA, EVLA and e-MERLIN use high data rate optical fibre links based on commercially available 10 Gbps opto-electronics. This paper describes the systems designed by NRAO and JBO staff to be used in ALMA and e-MERLIN. ALMA has a requirement for a 120 Gbps data rate per telescope, requiring the use of 12 lasers in the 1550 nm telecommunication band, with maximum link lengths around 20 km. e-MERLIN has a lower bandwidth and requires 30 Gbps links per telescope and therefore three lasers per telescope; however, the link lengths reach up to around 400 km, and amplification, de-dispersion and regeneration are required. Dense wavelength division multiplexing is used to avoid fibre management problems and save fibre costs. The design criteria and experience gained in these projects is very relevant to SKA as the proposed configuration of the antenna elements maps well to the link lengths used here. The chosen data rate will be a major cost driver.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agrawal, G. P.: 2002, Fibre Optic Communication Systems, 2nd Edn., Wiley, New York.

  • Binh, L. N.: 2002, Proc. 27th URSI Gen. Assem., p. 0585.

  • Garrington, S. T.: 2004, ‘Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation’, SPIE Paper 5489-22, Glasgow.

  • Freund, R., VLA Memo Number 420, http://www.alma.nrao.edu/memos/html-memos/alma420/memo420.pdf.

  • Durand, S. and McCool, R.: 2004, ‘Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation’, SPIE Paper 5496-64, Glasgow.

  • Jones, D. L., SKA Memo 45, available at http://www.skatelescope.org/pages/p_docsand pres.htm.

  • McCool, R., Anderson, B., Spencer, R., and Garrington, S.: 2002, Proc. 27th URSI Gen. Assem., p. 1138.

  • Markus, A. and Fiore, A.: 2004, Phys. Status Solidi A 201, 338.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Michalzik, R., et al.: 2001, IEICE Trans. Electron. E84-C, 629.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perley, R. A. and Napier, P. N.: 2004, ‘Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation’, SPIE Paper 5489-64, Glasgow.

  • Veidt, B. and Dougherty, S., SKA Memo 42, available at http://www.skatelescope.org/pages/p_docsand pres.htm.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, SK11 9DL, U.K.

    Ralph Spencer, Roshene Mccool, Bryan Anderson, Dave Brown & Mike Bentley

Authors
  1. Ralph Spencer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Roshene Mccool
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Bryan Anderson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Dave Brown
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Mike Bentley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ralph Spencer.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Spencer, R., Mccool, R., Anderson, B. et al. Alma and E-merlin Data Transmission Systems: Lessons for Ska. Exp Astron 17, 221–228 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-005-4189-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-005-4189-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation