Model based, detailed fault analysis in the CERN PS complex equipment

In the CERN PS Complex of accelerators, about a thousand pieces of equipment of various types (power converters, RF cavities, beam measurement devices, vacuum systems, etc.) are controlled using the so-called Control Protocol. This Protocol, a model-based equipment access standard, provides, amongst other facilities, a uniform and structured fault description and report feature. The faults are organized into categories according their severities and are presented at two levels, the first being global, and identical for all devices, and the second being very detailed and adapted to the peculiarities of each device. All the relevant information is provided by the equipment specialists and is appropriately stored in static and real time databases; in this way a unique set of data-driven application programs can always cope with existing and newly added equipment. Two classes of applications have been implemented, the first one is intended for control room alarm purposes and the second is oriented for specialist diagnostics. The system is completed by a fault history report facility permitting easy retrieval of faults which have occurred previously e.g. during the night.