General-purpose framework for real time control in nuclear fusion experiments

Abstract

The paper describes the software architecture of the Real Time control system of the RFX-mod Nuclear Fusion experiment. Several units form a control network, in which data are exchanged during control. The system employs general-purpose processor boards, and uses isolated Ethernet for real time communication. The software is organized as a two-level framework. At the first level, the framework provides data flow management, and is configurable via an include file. At the second level, the framework provides the rest of the required functionality, and is configured by the unit-specific control algorithms. This organization proved successful since it minimized the development and debugging times when new control units are integrated in the system.