Integrated Intermediate Frequency Processor Unit for Efficient Linear array Imager

Abstract

Efficient Linear array Imager (ELI) is a cross telescope capable of producing 64 beams simultaneously in the sky. It uses 16 receivers and each is likely to use 4 IF chains, making a total of 64 numbers. Clearly, such a large number of IF chains require optimisation of volume, power and cost. Following the model of commercial LNBCs, we have made a prototype integrated IF processor (IFP) board for use with ELI. This integrates 3 gain stages totalling a gain of 60 dB, a directional coupler, a SAW filter and a mixer, all in a board size of 14 cm x 5 cm. This integrated IF processor has avoided multiple SMA connectors and thereby improving reliability at the cost of inter-changeability. In this technical report, we describe the effort put in development of this prototype.