Use of the Fermilab Advanced Computer Program Multi-Microprocessor as an on-Line Trigger Processor

The Fermilab Advanced Computer Program is constructing a powerful multi-microprocessor system for data analysis in high-energy physics. The system will use commercial 32-bit microprocessors and be programmed in Fortran-77. A large array of support software allows easy migration of user applications from a uniprocessor environment to the multiprocessor, as well as providing sophisticated program development, debugging, and error handling and recavery tools. This system will provide computing power with a cost effectiveness of $3000-4000 per VAX 11/780 equivalent. We describe here the applications of this system as an on-line trigger processor. The low cost, commercial availability, compatibility with off-line analysis programs, and high data bandwidths (up to 160 MByte/sec) make this system an ideal choice for such real-time applications.