Particle identification for a position sensitive proportional counter

The Bell-Rutgers data highway system is a modular, general purpose system designed to provide a framework in which the configuration and reconfiguration of on-line computer hardware is easily accomplished. It is built using modified NIM hardware, and features a 16 bit parallel data path for input and output which is shared by up to 150 general purpose modules. Special consideration has been given to two particular problems; the operation of modules in an environment in which digital switching noise must be minimized, and the simultaneous use of the module system by several independent users. The initial application of the system has been in the implementation of a computer based nuclear physics data acquisition and analysis system. The following paper is intended as an exposition of some of the considerations which are relevant to the design of any general purpose modular system as well as a description of a particular system. Some of the ways in which the system has been used are also described.

The Bell-Rutgers Data Highway System

A buffered electronic Data Transfer Interface has been developed for acquiring data from 1-14 Ge(Li) and/or NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometers and processing this data in an IBM 1130 Minicomputer System. Sample instrument and spectrum data are transferred between remote spectrometers and mass storage buffer and between buffer and processor as standard formatted data files. Spectrometers and the processor are serviced on a time-sharing basis in accordance with a multiple service demand queue. The first record of each magnetic tape data file consists of a serial file number and all samples and instrument data. Sample and instrument data, including sample number, sample group code, accummulate time, configuration code, energy range code, energy calibration code, instrument number and analysis code, are entered from punched sample cards, thumbwheel switches and a time of year clock. All subsequent data file records consist of spectra data. Operation of the data interface is initiated from individual spectrometers, the data interface Control and Data Unit or from the processor. Part of the data interface was installed and placed in continuous operation with one Ge(Li) spectrometer in 1970. Additional spectrometers and interface equipment are currently being added to complete the system.

A. Senator

Papers

The Bell-Rutgers Data Highway System

Modular data highway systems.