Optimization of the ITER EC H&CD functional capabilities while relaxing the engineering constraints

The work on optimization of the ECH&CD system in ITER is presented with focus on its functional capabilities. Since the conceptual design of the system it has evolved both in goals and functionalities, by considering an expanded range of H&CD applications. A large effort has been devoted to a better integration of the two types of launcher, the equatorial and the upper, both from the point of view of the performance and the impact on the engineering constraints of the design.