TUAP053

Title: TUAP053

Main Research Question: How can Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) be used to create versatile data acquisition and control interfaces for EPICS-based systems?

Methodology: The study used VME-based FPGAs to create custom designs for data acquisition and control interfaces. These designs incorporated standard A16 and A24 address modes, VME vectored-interrupt capability, and interfaced with various components like Analog to Digital Converters (ADC), Digital to Analog Converters (DAC), interlocks, and drive signals. The designs were tailored to individual systems, allowing system operators to have read-backs and controls via a VME interface.

Results: The research found that FPGAs provided versatile and efficient solutions for data acquisition and control interfaces. The study also highlighted the benefits of using FPGAs, such as their ability to manipulate data quickly, their small processing overhead, and their ability to be easily modified and simulated for future applications.

Implications: The use of FPGAs in EPICS-based systems has the potential to significantly improve data acquisition and control interfaces. The study's findings suggest that FPGAs can be used to create custom designs that are tailored to individual systems, providing greater flexibility and expandability. Additionally, the ability to reprogram and simulate the firmware makes the designs easily adaptable to future applications.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0111029v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0111029v1