The Use of Intelligent Modules in Brookhaven FASTBUS
L. B. Leipuner, R. C. Larsen, William M. Morse, J. Kevin Black, Henry Kasha, M. P. Schmidt, Cindy Schwarz · IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science · 1985
Many considerations go into the design of modules for data acquisition. I address some of the more general aspects of this rather than the specifics of a particular design. The experience gained from using Brookhaven Fastbus in two finished experiments and one eminent one is used as a guide for these remarks. The physical size of modules used by Brookhaven Fastbus is such that the number of channels that can be handled is generally limited by front panel space, or front end layout logistics rather than area. One of the effects of large scale integrated circuits is that the cost of computational elements is relatively small. This, plus the space consideration, allows the assignment of low level data processing to the acquisition modules. Since these elements operate in parallel there is an obvious speed advantage.