Event Analysis Language for High Speed Data Acquisition

We describe a multiparameter data-acquisition program that is highly flexible and yet provides optimum machine code for each individual set of sorting conditions. An Event Analysis Language (EVAL) compiler allows the user full control over the handling of events and produces code which runs 4-6 times faster than a generalized program. We have integrated this technique into the Los Alamos Physics Division data acquisition system for high-speed sorting of a wide variety of input data from CAMAC or magnetic tape. The EVAL compiler is written in FORTRAN for MODCOMP computers, but can be easily modified for other systems.