Implementation of local area network extension for instrumentation standard trigger capabilities in advanced data...

Area of Science:

• Instrumentation and Measurement
• Real-Time Systems
• Fusion Energy Research

Background:

• Real-time distributed data acquisition systems (DASs) in fusion experiments rely heavily on synchronization mechanisms.
• Traditional synchronization methods often use digital signals, which can limit precision and flexibility.
• The Local Area Network Extension for Instrumentation (LXI) standard offers advanced synchronization and triggering capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a new platform, the Intelligent Test Measurement System (ITMS), for distributed data acquisition and fast data processing in fusion experiments.
• To integrate LXI synchronization and trigger mechanisms into the ITMS platform to achieve Class A LXI instrument status.
• To enhance the precision and reliability of synchronization in real-time distributed data acquisition systems for fusion research.

Main Methods:

• Development of the ITMS platform based on COMPATPCI and PXI technologies.
• Implementation of real-time operating system extensions (RTAI and RTNET) for precise timing.
• Integration of a software Precision Time Protocol (PTP) using IEEE 1588 standard.
• Design of an ad hoc PXI module for hardware-assisted PTP-IEEE 1588 implementation.
• Utilization of multipoint, low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) hardware for the LXI trigger bus.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of LXI trigger and synchronization mechanisms into the ITMS platform.
• Achievement of Class A LXI instrument compliance for the developed system.
• Demonstration of precise time synchronization using a software PTP and dedicated hardware module.
• Establishment of a robust distributed data acquisition system for fusion experiments.

Conclusions:

• The ITMS platform effectively incorporates LXI standards for enhanced synchronization and triggering in fusion experiment DASs.
• The implemented PTP-IEEE 1588 solution, combining software and hardware, ensures high-precision timing critical for real-time data acquisition.
• This advancement provides a powerful, flexible, and precise system for future fusion research data management and processing.