Time and frequency distribution for NGVLA

Abstract

The ngVLA reference design calls for a main array of 214 18-meter antennas, as well as a small baseline array of 19 6-meter antennas, and a long baseline array of 30 additional 18-meter antennas. The requirements for the ngVLA time and frequency distribution will be reviewed, and a design for the distribution of accurate time and frequency references to antennas stations for effective millimeter wave radio astronomy observing will be presented. This will include details of the central signal generation, the fiber infrastructure and signal distribution, and the low-phase-noise local oscillator design for the antenna stations.