[evlatests] Prototype correlator Installation Plan

[Jim Jackson]

Hopefully, this suffices for an initial prototype correlator installation 
plan. We'll fill in the details as we get closer to actually having a 
prototype correlator.

Cheers,
Jim


The current plans for the installation of the prototype correlator are as 
follows:

1.  It will be installed in the new shielded correlator room.  Power, 
cooling, networking and other infrastructure are expected to be available 
in this room well in advance of the prototype correlator arrival sometime 
next year.

2.  It will use an integral AC line derived -48VDC power supply.  It will 
not rely on the -48VDC power/battery plant being purchased for the WIDAR 
correlator.

3.  Fiber optic splitters will be used on the data transmission fibers to 
simultaneously drive separate deformatters located in the prototype 
correlator and the VLA correlator room.  This will allow the EVLA antennas 
to remain in use with the existing VLA system regardless of the operational 
status of the prototype correlator.  There is more than sufficient overhead 
available from the EDFA's to make up for the loss of this splitter. We will 
have to decide on the location of the splitters and EDFA chassis (if 
required).  There will be extra deformatters available for this use.

4.  Timing and clock signals will be provided by the coax and fiber being 
permanently installed for this purpose.

5.  This does not cover back-end computers for the prototype correlator 
though I would assume we want those located in the new correlator room as 
well.  Any thoughts on this?