MWAX: A new correlator for the Murchison Widefield Array

Abstract We describe the design, validation, and commissioning of a new correlator termed ‘MWAX’ for Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) low-frequency radio telescope. MWAX replaces an earlier generation MWA correlator, extending correlation capabilities providing greater flexibility, scalability, maintainability. is designed to exploit current future Phase II/III upgrades infrastructure, most notably simultaneous all 256 MWA’s antenna tiles (and potentially more in future). fully software-programmable based around ethernet multicast architecture. At its core cluster 24 high-performance GPU-enabled commercial-off-the-shelf compute servers that together process real-time up coarse channels 1.28 MHz bandwidth each. The system highly flexible scalable terms number be correlated, it offers wide range frequency/time resolution combinations users. conclude with roadmap enhancements extensions we anticipate will progressively rolled out over time.