Data acquisition workstation for Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator

A new multiparameter data acquisition system for the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator (ORELA) was developed, fabricated, and tested. This system uses an IBM PS/2 Model 80-111 personal computer and a data handler with a 2048-word buffer. The buffer can accept data at a rate exceeding one million events per second in bursts of 512 words of 64-b length. The acquisition system, limited by software, can acquire data from 1, 2, or 3 digitizers; multiplex up to 4 detectors; read and control up to 16 scalers or registers; and output up to 32 DC logic lines that can be used to control external instrumentation. Software was developed for the OS/2 operating system, supporting multiparameter data storage for up to three million channels. Data can be collected in a background mode to make the computer available for other tasks while collecting data. The system also supports multiparameter biasing and can collect, crunch, and store data at rates of 30000 events per second, each event containing up to 64-b of information. A technical manual, ORNL/TM-11454, covering the use of the system has been published.<>