Correlator data analysis for the array feed compensation system

Abstract

The real-time array feed compensation system is currently being evaluated at DSS 13. This system recovers signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss due to mechanical antenna deformations by using an array of seven Ka-band (33.7-GHz) horns to collect the defocused signal fields. The received signals are downconverted and digitized, in-phase and quadrature samples are generated, and combining weights are applied before the samples are recombined. It is shown that when optimum combining weights are employed, the SNR of the combined signal approaches the sum of the channel SNR's. The optimum combining weights are estimated directly from the signals in each channel by the Real-Time Block 2 (RTB2) correlator; since it was designed for very-long-baseline interferometer (VLBI) applications, it can process broadband signals as well as tones to extract the required weight estimates. The estimation algorithms for the optimum combining weights are described for tones and broadband sources. Data recorded in correlator output files can also be used off-line to estimate combiner performance by estimating the SNR in each channel, which was done for data taken during a Jupiter track at DSS 13.