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Embedded EPICS server for PowerPMAC motion controllers
Oleg Makarov1, Sergey Stepanov1
1Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave, Bldg.436D, Argonne, Illinois, 60439, U.S.A.
Journal of Instrumentation : an IOP and SISSA Journal
|July 29, 2026
Summary
A new Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) server for PowerPMAC motion controllers provides direct access to advanced motion control features. This open-source solution enhances beamline operations at the Advanced Photon Source (APS).
Area of Science:
- Synchrotron Radiation
- Structural Biology
- Control Systems Engineering
Background:
- Advanced Photon Source (APS) facilities require sophisticated motion control for experimental operations.
- Existing motion control systems may lack direct integration with standardized control system architectures like EPICS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and deploy an embedded EPICS server layer for PowerPMAC motion controllers.
- To enable seamless integration of PowerPMAC capabilities into existing EPICS-based control systems at GM/CA beamlines.
Main Methods:
- Developed a two-layer server stack: a low-level driver communicating with PowerPMAC and a facility-specific soft sublayer.
- Implemented the EPICS server on PowerPMAC motion controllers.
- Integrated the system to manage approximately 200 motors and various I/O accessories.
Main Results:
- Successfully deployed the EPICS server on two GM/CA undulator beamlines.
- Demonstrated direct accessibility of PowerPMAC motion controls to distributed EPICS clients.
- Enabled control of a diverse range of motors and I/O accessories.
Conclusions:
- The developed EPICS server layer offers a compact, open-source solution for integrating PowerPMAC motion controllers.
- This integration enhances the versatility and accessibility of motion control at synchrotron facilities.
- The system supports advanced applications such as on-the-fly scanning.
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