The LOFAR Central Processor (CEP) combines and processes the signals from the sensor fields. The system is a “Streaming Supercomputer” specially designed to handle a large sustained datarate in a robust and efficient way.

The input section of the Central Processor is dimensioned such that 32 Core stations and 50 Remote Stations can be accommodated simulataneously at their full bandwidth. The processing capacity is matched to the proposed scenario for EoR observations. The exact processing demands for the geophysical and agriculture applications are to be worked out in detail.

In the core of CEP is IBM’s latest supercomputer, the BlueGene/L system. The BG/L is surrounded by PC clusters with Infiniband backbones.

For the astronomy application the following main observing modes will be supported:
· Synthesis imaging.
· Transient detection (probably using correlation of large numbers of low-bandwidth beams).
· Tied Array beamforming.
· Antenna-based buffering of 1 sec at full-digitised bandwidth and limited detection/triggering (in particular for UHECR events) at station level.

A major advantage of the LOFAR Central Processor is that multiple applications and modes can be run concurrently.

< GO BACK

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

Jobs | Pictures | Publications | Archives | Sponsors