Epics based prototype client for ICRH DAC

Abstract

The VME based Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH) Data Acquisition Control system (DAC) is integrated for auxiliary heating experiment on SST-1 Tokamak. VME processor board contains real-time operating system which works as server and Linux based host computer contains client user interface and additional support software. ICRH-DAC is distributed into two sections one at RF Lab and second at SST-1 hall which are 200 meter far away from each other. RF Lab DAC is installed to take care of RF power generation part. SST-1 hall DAC is installed to take care of diagnostics, matching networks and interface vacuum. Both DACs are running on master-slave mode when synchronized operation is needed. This synchronization of both DAC could be possible with EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) process variables, which broadcast and describe itself in Ethernet. The existing system uses the TCP/IP socket communication between both DAC clients. EPICS provides channel access protocol layers which broadcast required process variable on periodic time interval which are available on network for communication. Master DAC communicates with central control system using high speed trigger network and message passing interface on Ethernet network. During experiment shot details available using TCP/IP socket communication to master DAC only with hardware trigger event. Slave DAC acquires data using experimental shot details available on network which are broadcasted by master DAC using EPICS process variables. Same way the interface vacuum monitored at slave DAC will be available to master DAC for interlock. The prototype program is used for real-time parameters transmission, dynamic graphical user interface, modification of the existing system with synchronization. This paper will describe the prototype software design of EPICS based ICRH DAC software to achieve desired goal of experiment.