Level 1 software at JET: a global tool for physics operation

The operation of the JET (Joint European Torus) is controlled from a central control room with a computer-assisted control and data acquisition system. After manual selection of the required parameters and waveforms, the preparation and execution of each pulse is controlled by the computers. As experience was gained in operations, the need for an integrated tool to prepare pulse schedules and to improve the selection of parameters and their monitoring became evident. This led to the development of additional components of the level 1 software with the following aims: (1) to provide a convenient pulse schedule preparation tool that includes conversion algorithms for translating plasma parameters to machine control parameters, (2) to improve and integrate the parameter-setting tools, and (3) to provide parameter validation at pulse-schedule preparation and parameter-setting times to allow recalling old pulses. The structure and status of the suite of software developed for this purpose are described. >