FASTBUS Status from a System Designer´s Point of View

Designers of modern systems for data acquisition, control and data analysis must provide the needed throughput, response and usability while avoiding economic and complexity limitations. Today´s technology makes multiple-processor systems economically attractive, but such systems tend to be complex. In addition, rapidly changing requirements mandate easy reconfigurability and expandability. Though named for its potential speed, FASTBUS will make its greatest contribution to most systems with its flexibility and versatility. FASTBUS provides a framework in which the designer can build systems ranging from small and simple to very large and powerful in a flexible way, always leaving room for future expansion and allowing for simple tailoring of the system as needs change. This paper examines the features of FASTBUS relevant to the design of such systems, and discusses the current status. Though FASTBUS will be cost-effective even for most small systems, this paper will emphasize the largesystem aspects.