Characterizing Transient Radio-Frequency Interference From Motors for the Square Kilometer Array Radio Telescopes

Abstract

This paper considers the characterisation of wideband radio frequency interference generated by motors, diesel generators as well as fans for the Square Kilometre Array radio telescopes. The transient and/or impulsive nature of the emissions from the equipment, required as part of the telescope or ancillary hardware designs, can have a detrimental impact on highly time-sensitive scientific observations like pulsar science or gravitational wave detection. Wideband interference from pulses generated by servo motors with pulse-width modulation drivers, diesel generators and compressor alternating current fans are presented.