Radio frequency over fiber technology for SKA-low receiver

The signal reception chain is an essential element for achieving the square kilometer array-low (SKA-low) system requirements in terms of high sensitivity and dynamic range. balance between gain, linearity, low power consumption, as well cost, are fundamental parameters that influence selection most suitable technology SKA-low. Further factors, such self-generated radio frequency (RF) interference, reliability, robustness under extreme environment, last but not least, distance antennas acquisition systems, have impacts on both architecture receiver design. selected SKA-low RF transportation RF-over-fiber where preamplified picked up by carried via analogue modulation over optical fiber. rationales behind reported, along with descriptions development prototypes. prototypes were deployed installed demonstrator arrays at site Western Australian. Particular attention has been put thermal characterization actual operating temperature site, especially when transmitting part medium subjected to external ambient variations. Performance issues encountered also discussed some proposals future activities.