R&D on major components of control system for ITER blanket maintenance equipment

Several R&Ds for the ITER blanket remote handling system had been performed from the Engineering Design Activity phase until now and only several technical issues regarding the control system remained such as noise caused by slip ring, control of cable handling system, signal transmission through very long cable and radiation-hard amplifier. This study concentrates on these issues. Effect of the noise caused by the slip ring has been estimated and it was confirmed that its effect is negligible. Detailed test plan for the control of cable handling system has been shown also. Regarding the signal transmission, it was confirmed that the 500-m distance transmission for the resolver is feasible with signal compensation by the voltage feedback circuit. Gamma-ray irradiation tests found that an operational amplifier, HS1-5104ARH-Q, functioned until total dose of 0.5 MGy. It is applicable for the ITER blanket remote handling system. As a conclusion, major issues for the control system have been solved and the ITER blanket remote handling system becomes further feasible.