Advanced modular systems for particle accelerators

Purpose and goal

The aim of this project was to design the first mTCA.4 architecture, open standard-system that can be offered to any “Big Science” particle accelerator facility. We have defined the most advantageous technical solutions for embedded computers for beam diagnostics. In the system solution we have included FPGA based digitizer’s, timing-module and “pay load” CPU, encapsulated by a mTCA.4 open standard infrastructure. All the included modules are ready for use under EPICS - the most popular “control room” software suite for particle accelerator usage.

Expected results and effects

We have managed to build and configure a complete mTCA.4 system that demonstrates the functionality defined from the project start. Our work have, among other things, resulted in Recab now being able to provide the market with the first open standard mTCA.4 based “turn key” system solution aimed for use in the “Big Science” area. Our work have also resulted in increased knowledge and experience on several technological areas (e.g. EPICS and FPGA). We are very satisfied with the achieved results.

Planned approach and implementation

The development project have been conducted according to the plan set out from the beginning. Some areas of activity have been slightly more demanding and time consuming than expected. Especially the SW related activities have taken more time than expected.