Computer control of the high-voltage power supply for the DIII-D electron cyclotron heating system

Abstract

The DIII-D electron cyclotron heating (ECH) high-voltage power supply is controlled by a computer. Operational control is input via keyboard and mouse, and computer/power supply interface is accomplished with a computer-assisted monitoring and control (CAMAC) system. User-friendly tools allow the design and layout of simulated control panels on the computer screen. Panel controls and indicators can be changed, added or deleted, and simple editing of user-specific processes can quickly modify control and fault logic. Databases can be defined, and control panel functions are easily referred to various data channels. User-specific processes are written and linked using Fortran, to manage control and data acquisition through CAMAC. The resulting control system has significant advantages over the hardware it emulates: changes in logic, layout, and function are quickly and easily incorporated; data storage, retrieval, and processing are flexible and simply accomplished; and physical components subject to wear and degradation are minimized.<>