Using Python and 19,200 bits/second serial links to manage antennae for the Square Kilometre Array r
summary
Python code implements monitor and control for field power-and-optical boxes that service 256-antenna stations feeding a 7.2 Terabits/second backend, using 19,200 bits/second serial links framed as Modbus ASCII over coax; hardware is PIC24 microcontrollers, Wiznet Ethernet-to-serial gateways and optical RF modulators. The design uses one FDH with 24 smart boxes per station, 28 coax ports, and low-noise DC conversion. Prototypes run in the desert for 18 months and a full 24‑box station is delivered and under remote test.
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chapters (8)
- 0:00Murchison array overview
- 3:23System design architecture
- 7:43Smart Box and node hub
- 11:05Electronics and connectivity
- 15:08Modbus protocol usage
- 19:15Software and simulation
- 25:00Deployment and monitoring
- 29:36Questions and answers
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