Optimized framegrabber for the Cherenkov telescope array

Abstract

Our contribution presents a high bandwidth platform that implements traffic aggregation and switching capabilities for the Cherenkov telescope array (CTA) cameras. Our proposed system integrates two different data flows: a unidirectional one from the cameras to an external server and a second one, fully configurable dedicated to configuration and control traffic for the camera management. The former requires high bandwidth mechanisms to be able to aggregate several 1 gigabit Ethernet links into one high speed 10 gigabit Ethernet port. The latter is responsible for providing routing components to allow a control and management path for all the elements of the cameras. Hence, a simple, efficient, and flexible routing mechanism has been implemented avoiding complex circuitry that impacts in the system performance. As a consequence, an asymmetric network topology allows high bandwidth communication and, at the same time, a flexible and cost-effective implementation. In our contribution, we analyze the camera requirements and present the proposed architecture. Moreover, we have designed several evaluation tests to demonstrate that our solution fulfills the CTA project needs. Finally, we illustrate the general possibilities of the proposed solution for other data acquisition applications and the most promising futures lines of research are discussed.