A network-centric receiver architecture for low-frequency arrays refers to a system design where the receiver and signal processing components are distributed across multiple nodes in a network, rather than being centralized in a single location. This approach allows for greater flexibility and scalability in the design and deployment of low-frequency array systems, such as radio telescopes or communication systems. The network-centric architecture can also enable advanced signal processing capabilities, such as real-time beamforming and direction-finding, as well as the ability to handle large amounts of data from multiple antennas. This architecture can be implemented using various technologies, such as software-defined radio, field-programmable gate arrays, and network protocols.
A network-centric receiver architecture for low-frequency arrays is a system design that utilizes a network of interconnected nodes to perform the functions of a traditional centralized receiver. Instead of having all the receiver and signal processing components in a single location, they are distributed across multiple nodes in the network. This approach provides several benefits over traditional centralized receiver architectures.
One of the main advantages of a network-centric architecture is its flexibility and scalability. With this architecture, it is possible to easily add or remove nodes as needed, without having to completely redesign the entire system. This allows for more efficient use of resources and easier maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, it is also possible to use different types of hardware and software at each node, allowing for greater customization and optimization of the system.
The network-centric architecture also enables advanced signal processing capabilities. For example, real-time beamforming and direction-finding can be performed by distributing the processing across multiple nodes, which allows for faster and more accurate results. Additionally, the architecture can handle large amounts of data from multiple antennas, making it useful for applications such as radio telescopes and communication systems.
The network-centric architecture can be implemented using various technologies, such as software-defined radio (SDR), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and network protocols. SDR allows for the flexibility to change the radio's behavior on the fly and FPGAs offer high-speed signal processing capabilities. Network protocols such as TCP/IP or Ethernet can be used to connect the nodes together, allowing for easy communication and data transfer. A network-centric receiver architecture for low-frequency arrays provides significant benefits over traditional centralized architectures, including greater flexibility, scalability, and advanced signal processing capabilities.
Although radio astronomy began with observations at low frequencies (;S 408 MHz),
the need for high angular resolutions and dynamic ranges for carrying out studies of
discrete radio sources and the progress in receiver technology resulted in a shift
towards observations at higher frequencies ( GHz). Thus, the high frequency domain was explored
to a much greater extent, as compared to low frequencies.
However, there has been recent revival of interest in the low frequency radio regime for addressing
several problems of astrophysical significance [l], ranging from study of coherent emission
processes, e.g., jovian bursts, solar and stellar radio bursts, pulsar emission to
investigation of galaxy mergers, activity in giant radio galaxies.
