C. A. Swoboda

Bio: C. A. Swoboda is an academic researcher from Fermilab. The author has contributed to research in topics: Control system & Data link. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 7 citations.

FASTBUS standard fiber optic data transfer link

Abstract: The authors describe a unidirectional/bidirectional fiber-optic data transfer link being specified by the FASTBUS Standards Committee that can be incorporated into FASTBUS as well as other data acquisition systems. The FASTBUS or bidirectional mode allows relatively slow, long-distance communication of the full FASTBUS protocol. The high-speed transfer or unidirectional mode is optimized for pipelined data transfers with minimum handshaking overhead. This link is bus-independent and can be used to transfer data at high speeds between sets of devices each packaged in any bus standard or black-box implementation. Serial protocol flexibility permits the link to be used also as a central link. Simple messages are transmitted over this link to common data flow from front-end equipment to buffer memories or processor farms. The proposed FASTBUS serial line protocol and recommended optical hardware are detailed. An application example using the fiver-optic data link in a FASTBUS data acquisition system is shown. >

A Modular Control System Utilizing CAMAC Hardware for Interfacing Remote Components at NAL

Abstract: Introduction The execution of a data transfer on this link is initiated by a command function on the standard data link. The MDC receiver, upon receipt of a 16 bit data word, will send a service request to the MDC which idles the CPU between instructions, initiates a read cycle, and stores the word in mIemory. The operating program automatically resumes execution after each request is serviced. Upon receipt of the prescribed number of data words in memory, the computer is automatically interrupted to process the data. This link allows data to be transferred from devices into memory at a 40 KHz word rate independent of programmed instructions, thus allowing the normal operating program and serial data link to function uninterrupted. Figure 1 is a block diagram of the 8 GeV/Switchyard Control System. The diversification and physical remoteness of components constituting the NAL proton beam switchyard and site-wide fire detection systems necessitated the use of mini-computers to centralize monitoring and control. Devices are interfaced to the computers by series connected local controllers. The local controllers utilize a standard CAMAC crate with a simplified dataway to achieve economic modular construction. Serial data transfers are used between controllers for reliable operation in a high noise environment. Bulk data transfers to the Switchyard System Computer are implemented on a special high speed serial link which operates independent of, but initiated by, the local controllers. A special Minicontroller module with an emergency back-up power source is used to monitor NAL fire detection

CAMAC Experimental Beam Line Control System

Abstract: The Laboratcry has well over two miles of beam lines in the Meson, Ne.Gtrino, and Proton experimental areas. The size and complexity of these beam lines as well as the requirements imposed by multiple experimenters led to the development of a computer-controlled multi-console control system. To alleviate many of the problems associated wit:? interfacing various experimenters' equipment to this control system, a well-defined hardware interface was necessary. A CAmC modular instrumentation system1 was employed in all three beam lines prirr,arily because it is an international standard. Each of the beam lines is compster controlled using a number of CAMAC crates located in control areas scattered along each beam line. These control areas are tied together and to the computer 51' a f ast serial communications link. Control consoles consisting of CRTs or teletypes are interfaced to CAMAC crates and may be lccated in any control area. The system software handles up to 12 of these remote consoles, 2 local consoles, and a i.ariety of other tasks simultaneously through a multi-programming technique. Man-machine communication is by means of ccstom CRT displays and a message-oriented command language.

A review of technologies for the transport of digital data in recent physics experiments

Abstract: This paper describes past and present techniques and technologies for the transport of digital data in recent physics experiments. After an overview of the typical requirements for modern data acquisition systems in the field of large scale experimental physics, we detail the successes and failures observed over the last 20 years of evolution of high-speed point-to-point link technology, networking standards and products. Modtextern data transport technology is presented along with several applications to experiments under construction. Advanced techniques, emerging technologies and trends in the field of high-speed digital data transport are outlined in the perspective of future experiments.

A review of technologies for the transport of digital data in recent physics experiments

Abstract: This paper describes past and present techniques and technologies for the transport of digital data in recent physics experiments. After an overview of the typical requirements for modern data acquisition systems in the field of large scale experimental physics, we detail the successes and failures observed over the last 20 years of evolution of high-speed point-to-point link technology, networking standards and products. Modern data transport technology is presented along with several applications to experiments under construction. Advanced techniques, emerging technologies and trends in the field of highspeed digital data transport are outlined in the perspective of future experiments

Overview of a Multi-User High Energy Physics Control and Data Acquisition System

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of the present state of the experimental area controls system at Fermilab. Both hardware and software systems are covered.