On-line data acquisition using a multiprocessor architecture

A system for online data processing based on a multiprocessor architecture and a PC/AT is presented. Many improvements with respect to a previous published architecture have been introduced in order to speed up the processing and the display features of the system. A new CAMAC module for event identification and triggering has been designed and assembled. Collected data are now recorded on a magnetic tape unit, and integrated data are handled by a PC/AT linked directly to the system. Although almost the whole code is stored in EPROM, the PC/AT also supports mass-storage and development features for the debugging of the system software. A description is given of the hardware components of the system, and the most relevant aspects of the software are examined