ASKAP Technologies: Receivers

Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) installed in CSIRO's ASKAP receivers. Credit: Russ Bolton, CSIRO.

Receivers are a major component of ASKAP, with each phased array feed (PAF) requiring 188 individual receivers. These receivers will need to be situated near the focus of the antennas, probably within the PAF enclosure; low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) will need to be closely integrated with the antenna feeds. For the quantities involved RF-CMOS 'receiver-on-a-chip' implementation becomes attractive ongoing research.

The ASKAP receivers project focuses on the receiver component and works closely with the ASKAP smart feeds project, in particular, for detailed specifications and requirements.

The project's activities include:

  • LNA design methods – new design methods and design tools for LNA optimisation are necessary to account for differences in noise/power/array match due to array coupling
    • Methods and techniques
    • Software tools
  • Differential LNA measurement and testing methods – non-50 ohm systems with differential inputs present new challenges for measurement and testing
    • Test jigs
    • Measurement techniques
  • ASKAP prototype LNA development – when smart feed design is sufficiently advanced, carry out detailed LNA design
    • Design
    • Prototype and test
    • Manufacture
  • Receiver down-converter – discrete wide band design
  • Integrated receiver/down-converter investigations – this will also include the investigation of RF-CMOS alternatives.

Opportunities for Industry

Information on opportunities for industry to be involved in the development of ASKAP can be found on the industry page.

Further Information


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