Application of an Array Processor to Data Analysis in Medium Energy Physics

The rate at which data may be acquired using LAMPF´s high resolution magnetic spectrometers, HRS and EPICS, at times considerably exceeds the rate at which it may be analyzed with the on-line PDP-11/45´s. At HRS in particular, data is routinely taken in a mode where less than 20% of the events may be completely analyzed even using well optimzed software. In order to achieve a situation in which data may be analyzed at a rate comparable to that at which it was acquired, a Floating Point Systems AP-120B Array Processor has been interfaced to the off-line PDP-11/60. The goal of this combination is to produce a system on which data may be analyzed at least a factor of 5 faster than is possible on-line, while maintaining as nearly as possible the same capabilities and user interface as with the standard off-line or on-line analysis.