The Tore Supra control computer system: evolutions

Abstract

The Tore Supra Control Computer System (CCS) named Architecture 7 (A7) has been operational since 1985. Its architecture, its modular conception and its user-friendly programmation facility made it highly efficient. Recently, the control command system was shown to require improvements. Opening the system was necessary for the introduction of industrial products providing reliability and maintainability. The overall control computer system has been upgraded: with respect to the human interface, the automation and the communication. A commercial supervisory software: PANORAMA runs on several Personal Computers (PC), connected on the Ethernet network. These PCs are connected to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) chosen for their industrial quality and reliability: Telemecanique PLC. A field bus allows the PLC of each Tore Supra subsystem, to communicate among themselves. The new architecture has to exchange data with the old one. Migration is progressive because the Tore Supra control computer system runs continuously so every change must be executed during Tore Supra shut-downs. In the year 2000, about half the units will have migrated from Architecture 7 to Personal Computers and Programmable Logic Controllers.