LOFAR uses a large number of low-cost sensors (antennas, geophones and more) and relies on broad-band datalinks and advanced digital signal processing to implement the majority of its functionality in (embedded) software.

The main subsystems constituting LOFAR are
• Sensor Fields: smaller, distributed fields called Remote Stations and a large central field called the Compact Core
• Wide Area Networks, for data transport and control;
• Central Processing Systems
• Software systems, including control and user interfaces

For the astronomy application, LOFAR is an aperture synthesis array composed of phased array stations. The antennas in each station form a phased array, producing one or many station beams on the sky. Multi-beaming is a major advantage of the phased array concept. It is not only used to increase observational efficiency, but may be vital for calibration purposes. The phased array stations are combined into an aperture synthesis array. The Remote Stations are distributed over a large area with a maximum baseline of ultimately 360 km (100 km in Phase 1).

Some key characteristics of the LOFAR system are:

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In case of questions or comments regarding LOFAR, or about these web pages, please contact lofar@astron.nl
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