Digital signal processing system of the PRAO RT 60/150 radio telescope antenna unit

Practical and theoretical aspects of applying digital techniques to temporal beam shaping and signal processing in a meter-wave radio telescope are discussed. At present, digital signal processing (DSP) techniques are receiving primary attention in the design of new radio telescopes. The implementation of these techniques allows for more reliable and flexible systems to be created. The value of systems using DSP would particularly grow in connection with rough and unpredictable interference environments at radio telescope sites. A new 60-150 MHz meter-wave radio telescope under development is expected to provide simultaneous monitoring in several directions (2-3 beams), continuous tracking of investigated objects, signal reception and recording across several frequency ranges. The report discusses the issues of practically implementing DSP techniques in beam shaping, multibeam reception and in the analysis of radio telescope signals. The technique, circuit and program solutions will be fine-tuned using an existing PRAO DKR-1000 LPI radio telescope.