Modular data acquisition system for physics

The author describes the different elements of a modular structure based on well-accepted hardware and software standards: VMEbus, VICbus, UNIX, and portable drivers. The objective is to build quickly, and at a reduced cost, acquisition, simulation, and test systems. The major elements of this architecture are: UNIX off-line workstations; distributed VME crates; high-speed databus between the VME crates and the workstations; VME data acquisition processors; VME mathematical analysis processors; and VME interfaces to the common physics buses and CAMAC, FERA, FASTBUS, and HIPPI. The author describes the roles of these elements, including everything from the computer center to the detector side. The backbone of the system consists of a dual bus connection for the low-speed control communications (Ethernet/Cheapernet), and one for the high-speed data exchanges (VIC vertical bus).<>