The critical needs of nuclear science have motivated a trend toward distributed computer systems for data acquisition and control. Such systems combine the flexibility of distributed input/output systems with the capability of handling high data rates and critical control loops by localized intelligence and data reduction. Common problems of such systems such as data rate variations, analysis of alternative configurations, and utilization of standard modules are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the role of the microprocessor as a common component of the system.

Distributed Computer Intelligence for Data Acquisition and Control

A “scaled” MWPC with 0.5 mm wire spacing

A high speed network communications station has been developed to serve to interconnect a variety of computers in a multiplexed star network. Each station consists of one control module and two memory modules embodied as CAMAC modules. Transmission is over coaxial lines with typical distances between stations of from 1 to 2 miles.

Bison-Net a CAMAC High Speed Block Data Ccmmunication Channel

By implementing a microprocessor-based CAMAC module capable of being programmed to function as a time plot or a timed reading controller, the capabilities of the experimental area serial CAMAC control and data acquisition system at Fermilab have been extensively increased. These modules provide real-time data gathering and pre-processing functions synchronized to the main accelerator cycle clock while adding only a minimal amount to the host computer's CPU time and memory requirements. Critical data requiring a fast system response can be read by the host computer immediately following the request for this data. The vast majority of data, being non-critical, can be read via a block transfer during a non-busy time in the main accelerator cycle. Each of Fermilab's experimental areas, Meson, Neutrino and Proton, are controlled primarily by a Lockheed MAC-16 computer. Each of these three minicomputers is linked to a larger Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-11/50 computer. The PDP-11 computers are used primarily for data analysis and reduction. Presently two PDP-11's are linked to the three MAC-16 computers.

Increased Control and Data Acquisition Capabilities via Microprocessor-Based Timed Reading and Time Plot CAMAC Modules

A highly compact multiwire proportional chamber system with 80 μm resolution

A high speed network communications station has been developed to serve to interconnect a variety of computers in a multiplexed star network. Each station consists of one control module and two memory modules embodied as CAMAC modules. Transmission is over coaxial lines with typical distances between stations of from 1 to 2 miles. The transmission rate is 4MHz.

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Bison-Net, A High Speed Block Multiplexer Channel for Interconnecting Computers via CAMAC

High spatial and time resolution multiwire proportional chambers and a readout system has been developed. These chambers will be used at the secondary beam lines of NAL. Spatial resolution of ±0.25mm and time resolution of 16nsec at FWHM obtained from 0.5mm wire spaced chambers.

/pdf/high-resolution-multiwire-proportional-chambers-and-a-86og1g1bre.pdf

High Resolution Multiwire Proportional Chambers and a Readout System for Secondary Beam Line Instrumentation

The Extended Branch Serial Driver (EBSD) has been developed to provide a serial extension of the present CAMAC Multi-Crate Branch Highway System. This serial driver provides an interface to the NIM proposed CAMAC Multi-Crate Serial Highway System using an existing Branch Highway and Driver configuration. The EBSD can be operated in either a bit serial or a byte serial mode.

/pdf/camac-extended-branch-serial-driver-jzdb386psl.pdf

CAMAC Extended Branch Serial Driver

A digital beam monitoring system (BELIMOS) consisting of high spatial and time resolution multiwire proportional chambers and associated amplifier circuitry, and a CAMAC data acquisition system has been used to provide readout and display of beam profile and position information of the NAL secondary beam lines.

Ronald G. Martin

Papers

Bison-Net a CAMAC High Speed Block Data Ccmmunication Channel

Bison-Net, A High Speed Block Multiplexer Channel for Interconnecting Computers via CAMAC

High Resolution Multiwire Proportional Chambers and a Readout System for Secondary Beam Line Instrumentation

CAMAC Extended Branch Serial Driver

Digital Monitoring System for NAL Secondary Beam Lines