CAMAC CONTROLLER
FEATURES
Primary or auxiliary CAMAC Crate Controller
Highest possible CAMAC dataway speeds
CAMAC read, write and control by lists or by direct host control
CAMAC data transmitted direct to external buffer memory module via
RS-485 (like BiRa model 17OO)
Output data is ECLport compatible with the addition of a companion
module (Bi Ra Model 1601 SCCLA Level Adapter)
Multiple SCC's may be daisy-chained to output to a single data buffer
module
Trigger port for starting lists by external sources
Wait line for suspending lists by external sources
RS-232 serial port for control by host computer
APPLICATIONS
High speed CAMAC data acquisition system employing conventional CAMAC
digitizing modules
Output data to VMEbus or FASTBUS buffer modules
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Bi Ra model 1600 Smart CAMAC Controller (SCC) is a single- width module that makes it possible to configure a high speed data acquisition system employing conventional CAMAC digitizing modules. Using the SCC's serial control port, a host computer first down loads the SCC with lists of CAMAC operations to be performed when various trigger signals are received. Upon receipt of a trigger, the SCC executes the appropriate CAMAC operations at the maximum allowed CAMAC dataway speeds. Any data read from CAMAC modules is output through a front panel connector which is normally cabled to a data buffer memory of some sort (RBUFF, model VME1700 VME Buffer memory ). The SCC can also perform CAMAC operations under direct control of the host computer; in this case operation requests and read/write data are passed through the serial control port.
The SCC consists of a single-width CAMAC module. Another module called the SCC Level Adapter (SCCLA) provides additional capabilities required by some users. The SCC can perform as a primary crate controller or an auxiliary crate controller. Its output port can be either RS-485 compatible or LeCroy ECLport compatible. If the SCC is used as an auxiliary crate controller (in conjunction with some other CCA2 primary controller (Bi Ra Model 1302- LM) and its output port is to be RS-485 compatible, then the SCCLA module is not needed. The SCCLA allows the SCC to be a primary crate controller, to output data in ECLport format, or both. More than one SCC can be connected to a single data buffer. In this case, a cable runs through the output ports of a chain of SCCs and carries data into the output data buffer. Each crate is readout in turn until all of the SCCs on the chain have completed their readout.
LIST OPERATIONS The Readout List Memory consists of 8K long words, each of which may be a Readout List Instruction. Multiple Readout List may be constructed. Read out Lists are executed by a sequencer at the highest possible CAMAC dataway speed. The microprocessor generally starts the sequencer upon receipt of an appropriate trigger signal, or sometimes under direct control of a host computer. A single readout list can consist of the following operations:
Single dataway read cycle Multiple identical dataway read cycles while Q=l Single dataway control cycle Multiple identical dataway control cycles while Q=l Single dataway write cycle using the next Readout List instruction word as data Dataway Initialize (Z) cycle or Clear (C) cycle Clear it set crate inhibit (1) Wait until a Look-at-me (LAM) is raised by a specified module End of list; stop processing
POWER REQUIREMENTS: +6 volts @ 3 amps
ORDERING INFORMATION: Model 1600 Smart Crate Controller (SCC)
SUGGESTED ACCESSORIES: Model 1601 SCCLA Module for use as a primary
crate controller or to provide FASTBUS read
ECLport output for LeCroy model 1891/92, FASTBUS Event Buffers.