Replacing Mini-Computers by Multi-Microprocessors for the LEP Control System
J. Altaber, M.C. Crowley-Milling, P.G. Innocenti, R. Rausch · IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science · 1983
At the CERN SPS accelerator we have used a control strategy involving the use of a network of multi-tasking computers, each having a functional or a geographical task.Control is performed by executing interpretive programs in various computers, some procedures requiring the collaboration of several computers.The experience being very successful, the same lines will be followed for the LEP control system, making use of present day technology.Each multi-tasking computer will be replaced by an assembly of microprocessor based modules with each performing a unique, single stream type of task.Each module will contain a micro-CPU, private memory, and I/O driver for communicating via messages, the medium being a multi-master parallel bus.The paper describes the module tasks which have been identified and the relationship between modules.The improvement in performance, minimisation of software effort required, as well as the reduction in cost of such an arrangement are also discussed.