The UNICAT control system at the Advanced Photon Source

The level of computer integration at third generation synchrotron X-ray sources compels designers of beam line control systems to consider broad levels of automation support. Contemporary equipment includes network-based computers, programmable logic controllers, process controllers, single-device controllers, and legacy hardware, in addition to a vast complement of displays, operating systems, and commercial, shareware, and locally-developed software. In addition to the tasks of scan generation, data acquisition, and storage, increased demands of data logging and equipment protection are also placed on the control system. This report describes the control system for the UNICAT sector at the APS with particular emphasis on the implementation of the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) and its use with respect to the acquisition of data from scientific experiments.