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Description
The receiver pedestal unit (RXPU) for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) has the function of packetizing the sampled date from the receivers. It contains an FPGA with high frequency clocks and large power consumption. The mechanical compartmentalizing of the RXPU should address interfaces, practical handling, transportation, cooling and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
A driving aspect in the industrialization is the number of units to be delivered. For SKA it is neither just a few pieces, nor mass production of thousands of pieces. Instead, the number of deliveries is around 150. This means that it is definitely worthwhile to adjust the design to contain as simple parts as possible which have a sensible means of mounting. On the other hand, optimization must stop at a reasonable level, since it would cost more than it saves to perfect the design.
The EMC radiated emissions of the RXPU were measured for the pre-industrialized design with the proper lids both put on and taken off. The conclusion was drawn that the airflow honeycomb vents could be machined directly in the box, that the finger gaskets could be removed and that the number of lid screws could be reduced. Also, the FPGA heatsink and airflow were analyzed, which led to using a reduced weight heatsink based on an off-the-shelf product.
Finally, the parts of the RXPU were reworked to facilitate more generous manufacturing tolerances, sturdier design and simpler assembly.
