Computer control and data-acquisition system for the rf test facility

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1138790· OSTI ID:5516986

Stewart, K A; Burris, R D; Mankin, J B; Thompson, D H

The radio frequency test facility (RFTF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, used to test and evaluate high-power ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) systems and components, is monitored and controlled by a multicomponent computer system. This data-acquisition and control system consists of three major hardware elements: (1) an Allen-Bradley PLC-3 programmable controller, (2) a VAX 11/780 computer, and (3) a CAMAC serial highway interface. Operating in LOCAL as well as REMOTE mode, the programmable logic controller (PLC) performs all the control functions of the test facility. The VAX computer acts as the operator's interface to the test facility by providing color mimic panel displays and allowing input via a trackball device. The VAX also provides archiving of trend data acquired by the PLC. Communications between the PLC and the VAX are via the CAMAC serial highway. Details of the hardware, software, and the operation of the system are presented in this paper.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P. O. Box Y, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 5516986
• Journal Information: Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States), Journal Name: Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States) Vol. 57:8; ISSN RSINA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700102 -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Diagnostics
700208* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Inertial Confinement Technology
CAMAC SYSTEM
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
LASER FUSION REACTORS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OPERATION
ORNL
REACTORS
RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
RESEARCH REACTORS
RF SYSTEMS
TEST FACILITIES
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS