Microprocessor Controlled Multipoint Recorder with Graphical Video Output for Reactor Core Temperatures

Many nuclear reactors and experimental facilities use multipoint strip chart recorders for the measurement of temperature and other data. These recorders have several serious deficiencies, including: lack of display visibility, poor data format, poor operator interaction and the requirement for a great deal of maintenance activity. To eliminate these problems and provide the operator with a quick, accurate method of displaying recorded data, a microprocessor controlled multipoint recorder has been developed. This unit uses a video monitor to display data in graphical form and a magnetic tape recorder to provide archival storage and data retrieval. This paper describes the hardware and software design details of this device and describes its use.