A distributed timing system for sychronizing control and data correlation
Matthew W. Stettler, M. Thout, Leo R. Dalesio, Richard H. Cole, C. Fite, G. Slentz, David J. Warren · 1992
Synchronization is necessary in experimental physics machines to provide positive control over related events. The Ground Test Accelerator (GTA) timing system provides this function through a distributed control system, known as the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS). The EPICS timing system was designed to take advantage of a distributed architecture, and provides time stamping for synchronous data correlation as well as event control. The system has been successfully demonstrated on over a dozen controller nodes for operation and data analysis. The design of the hardware, software, and operational results are discussed.