A Low Cost High Resolution DAC System for Magnet Control

Beam switch yard magnets require accurate tracking of the power supplies. Digital to analogue conversion systems with 16 bit resolution are therefore needed. High resolution DAC systems require delicate electronics to preserve the 16 bit monotonocity. However the absolute setting of the magnets is usually restricted to only 0.1%. A system will be described using low noise 10 bit multiplying DAC's. High resolution has been obtained by series connection of two DAC's. The energy setting of the magnetic channel is performed by one central DAC only. The software overhead has been greatly reduced. Substantial savings may be obtained in large magnet systems.