Philosophy of a Computer-Automated Counting System

The LAMPF Nuclear Chemistry computer system is designed to provide both real-time control of data acquisition and facilities for data processing for a large variety of users. It is a PDP-11/34 connected to a parallel CAMAC branch highway as well as a large variety of peripherals. The philosophy for the design of this system will be discussed, and will cover such points as use of the computer for control only versus direct data acquisition by the computer, why a CAMAC system was chosen, and the advantages and disadvantages of this system. Also to be discussed will be future expansion of the system and what might be done differently if the system were redesigned.