The next generation ALMA correlator USNC-URSI national radio science meeting

A Cycle 3 ALMA Development Study entitled Digital Correlator and Phased Array Architectures for Upgrading ALMA was completed in 2017. SAO led a consortium staffed with an international group of domain experts. The team developed science-driven architectures that greatly enhance bandwidth and continuum sensitivity; and are flexible, to facilitate modes providing extremely fine spectral resolution and native phased array VLBI recording, among others. Increased reliability, as well as reduced size, power consumption and life-cycle costs, are important natural benefits of these architectures which use state-of-the-art computing platforms and interconnect. A variety of technologies and algorithms were studied balancing costs and timelines against benefits. A detailed and practical system design is documented and justified in a comprehensive report to be submitted as an ALMA memo. This summary paper gives an outline of the proposed next generation ALMA digital system.