Dutch high-tech company helping process SKA-Low science data

Since 2022, TOPIC has been actively involved in the SKA project, an international effort to build the world’s most advanced radio telescopes.

TOPIC’s contribution to the SKAO project

For the SKAO project, TOPIC delivers an integrated and tested Central Signal Processor (CSP) for the SKA-Low telescope.

A multidisciplinary team of test, integration, and network engineers is responsible for the integration and validation of various products that form core building blocks of the CSP, including: correlator and beamformer, monitoring and control, pulsar search and pulsar timing. At its facility in the Netherlands, the team operates a dedicated infrastructure to support testing activities. This infrastructure also hosts servers used by the Pulsar Search team.

In addition to the system integration, TOPIC manages the procurement and delivery of hardware for the correlator and beamformer. As an industrial partner, TOPIC is also responsible for sourcing and delivering all Commercial Off-The-Shelf equipment for both the data center and the on-site installation in Australia. Recently the first batch of hardware was delivered, with the TOPIC team traveling to Australia to support the installation process.

Project impact | People, Commitment and Values

The SKAO project provides exciting and challenging, long-term engineering work for TOPIC engineers. It offers a stable foundation for the organisation while giving the team members a unique opportunity for professional and personal growth. The project's multi-site and multicultural aspects, and the complexity inherent in a global scientific initiative of this scale, has played a key role in enhancing personal growth.

From a business perspective, the project ensures a consistent revenue stream. The project has also opened doors for TOPIC to contribute with its expertise to precision timing research for the telescope – creating new short-term assignments for an additional three engineers.

Besides the exciting work for our engineers and the long term commitment – the participation in this international scientific initiative allows TOPIC to contribute to addressing some of the most fundamental questions in science. Innovation with meaningful impact aligns closely with the company’s commitment to make the world a better, healthier, and smarter place – every day.