On-Line Data-Acquisition Systems in Nuclear Physics, 1969: Chapter 2 - DATA-ACQUISITION SYSTEMS

On-Line Data-Acquisition Systems in Nuclear Physics, 1969, by H. W. Fulbright et al. National Research Council is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book here. Chapter 2: DATA-ACQUISITION SYSTEMS

A. INTRODUCTION

1. History

The movement toward computer systems began in earnest about 1962. Much of the early work depended on the use of magnetic tape for storage of data, either raw or partially digested, the analysis of data being carried out later, off-line. More recently, computers have been used increasingly for on-line processing. The early work is well known and will not be described here. Some of the more recent systems are basically very close descendants of one or another of the early systems.

Many varieties are now in service. Most incorporate small or medium-sized computers, however, extensive new experience has been gained during the past two or three years of operation of a few large time-shared systems, in particular those in the tandem Van de Graaff accelerator laboratories at Yale and at Rochester, perhaps the first large systems in operation which were planned systematically for nuclear research. Both operate with multiprogramming monitor control, background calculations being possible, on a low-priority basis, simultaneously with data acquisition.

2. Possible Systems

Simple rules for the design of various types of data-acquisition systems cannot be stated, but some examples of possible systems can be given. ()

a. A simple system for pulse-height analysis work can be assembled from a small computer, a 5-in. Tektronix CRO, an ADC unit, and a teletype with paper-tape attachment for a cost of about $30,000, providing that a competent engineer is available, not counting programming and engineering costs. A Calcomp plotter could be added for about $6000. To maintain 

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