A High Performance/Low Cost Accelerator Control System

Implementation of a high performance computer control system tailored to the requirements of the SuperHILAC accelerator is described. This system uses a distributed (star-type) structure with fiber optic data links; multiple CPU\´s operate in parallel at each node. A large number (20) of the latest 16-bit microcomputer boards are used to get a significant processor bandwidth (exceeding that of many mini-computers) at a reasonable price. Because of the large CPU bandwidth, software costs and complexity are significantly reduced and programming can be less "real-time" critical. In addition all programming can be in a high level language. Dynamically assigned and labeled knobs together with touch-screens allow a flexible and efficient operator interface. An X-Y vector graphics system allows display and labeling of real-time signals as well as general plotting functions. Both the accelerator parameters and the graphics system can be driven fram "BASIC" interactive programs in addition to the pre-canned user routines. This allows new applications to be developed quickly and efficiently by physicists, operators, etc. The system, by its very nature and design, is easily upgraded (via next generation of boards) and repaired (by swapping of boards) without a large hardware support group. This control system is now being tested on an existing beamline and is performing well. The techniques used in this system can be readily applied to industrial control systems.