Larry D'Addario et al.
Last changed 2001-Feb-05
The system level block diagrams presented here are intended to show the high level design of the telescope. They depict the main astronomical signal path and all levels of its processing; the generation and distribution of auxilliary signals, such as timing references; and the organization and breakdown of the equipment into its logical parts.
The diagrams do not necessarily show the packaging of the equipment -- that is, its physical breakdown into assemblies. The blocks are logical ones only.
The level of detail is necessarily limited, so as to depict the high level structure clearly. However, any other diagrams that show additional detail must be consistent with these. Any discrepencies between what is shown here and other engineering documents (e.g., those of subsystems or specific assemblies) must be reconciled. Proposals for designs that require deviating from what is shown here should be reviewed before being adopted.
Some important elements of the telescope are missing from the present versions of these diagrams, but they are intended to be added in future versions. These include most elements of the Monitor/Control system; the antenna and associated hardware supplied by contractors; power distribution and conversion; and certain calibration instruments.
See the ALMA System Block Diagrams