Overview of CTR-division control and data acquisition computer usage at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory

Computers have become an integral part of the control and data acquisition systems of several different fusion experiments in the CTR Division. These systems must (1) monitor and/or control approximately 200 to 1000 signals, (2) process from 40 to 250 diagnostic channels with a maximum plasma discharge repetition rate of once every five minutes, and (3) operate in an electrically noisy environment. Small to medium scale minicomputers interfaced to the experiment through CAMAC modules have been used to meet these requirements. System shielding and grounding have been given special consideration. These systems are also used for on-line data analysis and are linked to the local CTR network User Service Center where additional off-line analysis can be performed.