Thermonuclear fusion will be a promising energy source soon. Sophisticated systems are called tokamaks (toroidal chambers with magnetic coils) to generate hot plasma. Currently, the fusion process is not yet fully controlled. To better understand it, scientists use diagnostic systems that record plasma behavior. A particular group of diagnostic systems is responsible for the analysis of plasma impurities. The article briefly discusses the method of producing energy from a controlled nuclear fusion. Then, it presents groups of diagnostic systems in terms of their functions and focuses on systems dedicated to monitoring and analyzing plasma impurities. Parameters and limitations of representative currently used diagnostics systems for plasma impurities are described. In the end, the functional and technical requirements of plasma diagnostic systems designed for new tokamaks such as ITER and DEMO are discussed.
This article discusses the construction of a prototype of a platform that provides the integration of video signals from multiple sources. Video sources can be both existing CCTV systems based on analog cameras, modern systems based on IP cameras and individual cameras of various types. The system consists of portable units that provide signal conversion, its encoding, video streaming and transmission over IP protocols. A distributed and modular prototype of the VSI system was developed. The system consists of modular devices that integrate video streams, user terminals and central system. The VSI prototype provides simultaneous access to a large number of real- time video streams . The system is fully modular, which enables easy expansion of both hardware and software. The article presents the obtained architecture and exemplary operating results.
KEYWORDS: Systems modeling, Data modeling, Field programmable gate arrays, Control systems, Plasma diagnostics, Plasma systems, Sensors, Human-machine interfaces
The paper describes the communication model implemented for tokamak plasma diagnostics systems. The approach was tested for the SXR measurement system working with the GEM detector. The model describes the interfaces used for integration of various firmware and software implementations, done in the system. The purpose of the applications is to control and manage the system with acquisition of measurement data. The applications are often design by various authors, therefore it is necessary to create a common communication model, for easy integration and upgrades of the components in the system.
KEYWORDS: Field programmable gate arrays, Computing systems, Data acquisition, Signal processing, Sensors, Signal detection, Plasma, Data processing, X-rays, Analog electronics
The presented system is used for monitoring of the plasma impurities in the tokamak. It is done by measuring radiation in Soft X-Ray range with the use of a GEM-based detector. Acquired data is transferred through the whole system with low latency. Presented system can be divided into many parts - detector, analog electronics, FPGA, PCIe transmission line and computer system with high-performance CPU. This work will concentrate on synchronization between FPGA, which write data to the memory on the CPU side and computational part, which is executed in the computer. In long-running measurements, there is a synchronization problems which can arise. There is a difference in variables based on which the execution time of both parts is dependent. Working on measurements of radiation of plasma impurities requires limits in terms of latency. This paper presents reasons, descriptions and solutions for such problems.
KEYWORDS: Video, Cameras, Databases, System integration, Video surveillance, Imaging systems, Signal processing, Information security, Software development, Video processing
The article presents selected results of research conducted by the consortium under the implemented project for national defense and security on “Video Signals Integrator" Acronym – VSI. Project Leader: Warsaw University of Technology. The consortium: Police Academy in Szczytno, Atende Software Ltd., VORTEX Ltd. No. DOB-Bio7/01/02/2015 funded by the National Centre for Research and Development. The essence of the Video Signals Integrator is to acquire and process signals from multiple sources: existing monitoring systems based on analog cameras, modern systems based on IP cameras, different types of individual cameras. The efficient functioning of the device depends on the properly prepared Configuration Database of the Central Video Integrator System. The configuration database contains information necessary to operate the system by users, both in the scope of authorizations (data of users who can use consoles of particular types) as well as sources of streams processed by the system. It also creates the possibility of grouping streams according to their source. This option allows the user to identify the sources of a given signal and the corresponding response. The functional requirements were taken into account in the development of the concept of Configuration Database. As a result of the research, a design of the pilot version of the VSI system will be created, along with complete server software and a full-sized user console.
The search for new technologies in the field of plasma diagnostics entails the increasing demands on the radiative stability of the used materials due to development and usage of fusion facilities, where the study of processes occurring during the interaction of radiation with matter has become particularly important. Currently, a new X-ray imaging detection technology is required for tokamaks such as ITER. X-ray detectors that are being used in existing equipment may rapidly degrade due to large neutron fluxes characteristic for the tokamak environment. Despite the relatively wide use of semiconductor detectors to record SXR radiation (generally ionizing radiation), gas detectors are promising candidates that are suited much better for use in future fusion reactors given their resistance to neutron radiation. The most promising representative of the new gas detector class is the so called Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM), which is characterized by high amplification factor of the primary charge that is originated from photon absorption. Its main advantages are the compactness of the detector, good temporal and spatial resolutions, the ability to discriminate against photon energy and better neutron resistance compared to existing systems. All this makes such a detection system a potentially better candidate for soft X-ray measurements in the ITER and DEMO reactors. In this work, a new type of detection system based on GEM technology was proposed for soft X-ray measurements in the ITER reactor-oriented research, which is being developed at IPPLM.
This paper focuses on implementation of the charge signal sequencer in FPGA chip dedicated for GEM detector. First is described structure of GEM detector for WEST experiment developed by IPPLM and Warsaw University of Technology. Then the article explains why signal sequencer is needed in the new system and shortly presents how it works. It collects data from all detector channels and sends it out in unambiguous order to PC. It plays a big role in a data pipeline. Proper order of data improves parameters of the system, decreases the latency and simplifies computations on PC side. The article explains technical aspects of the implementation like architecture, blocks, dataflow or configuration features. In the end, there are presented results of the implementation.
The article presents the latest updates in the development of automated cage for optogenetic experiments. The new RFID module allows detecting the presence of mice in a given area of the cage. A brief description of the hardware and software parts has been presented.
KEYWORDS: Clocks, Quantum computing, Field programmable gate arrays, Power supplies, Connectors, Control systems design, Shape memory alloys, Quantum physics, Control systems, Ions
In this paper, a "Kasli" module is presented. It is used for control of equipment used in quantum physics experiments (i.a. analog-digital and digital-analog converters, power supplies, signal generators). Kasli was built using printed circuit board technology and houses an FPGA module which controls connected devices (extensions), a clock recovery and distribution circuit which synchronizes all extensions and SFP connectors used for communication with user’s computer. A prototype was built and tested with third revision coming soon.
This paper focuses on the model of the sequencer algorithm created in Matlab. The sequencer is used in the measurement system of 2nd generation for GEM detector. First, are described and compared two generations of the system. The article explains why sequencer is needed in the new system and presents how it works. It can collect data from many sources and send it out in unambiguous order. The model of the sequencer designed in Matlab allows adjusting its parameters to the specific process. The article explains technical aspects of the model, describes basic objects that were used to build the model. In the end, there are presented results. The sequencer is implemented in FPGA device.
The Video Concentration Device (VCD) is the component of the Video Signals Integrator (VSI). The whole VSI is a complex hybrid system containing hardware, firmware, and software components and can integrate and serve video signals from many sources. The VCD is a portable device capturing video signals in various formats from different sources, and transmitting them to the VSI server. Due to high complexity, VCD is equipped with a diagnostic system providing the possibility to remotely manage it. Its functions include the update of the firmware and software, starting the special diagnostic version of the firmware and the software, low-level expert access. In most cases it should eliminate the necessity of the on-site expert’s intervention, except in case of hardware failure
The advanced Soft X-ray (SXR) diagnostics setup devoted to studies of the SXR plasma emissivity focusing on the energy range of tungsten emission lines is at the moment a highly relevant and important for ITER/DEMO as W became a plasmafacing material and, therefore, plasma contamination by W and W transport in the plasma must be understood and monitored. The Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) based SXR radiation detecting system under development by our group with a spatial and energy-resolved photon detecting chamber may become such a diagnostic setup; however, many physical, technical and technological aspects must be taken into consideration. This work presents the results of preliminary tests and simulations of the research into the optimal design of the detector’s internal chamber. The study of the influence of different GEM foils on the properties and distribution of the electron avalanche as well as the effect of the high rate photon flux on GEM foil performance was performed. Effect of electrodes alignment allowed choosing the gap distances which maximize electron transmission was also examined. Finally, the optimal readout structure design was identified suitable to collect a total formed charge effectively.
Article presents latest updates in development of automated cage for optogenetic experiments. New hardware concept for data concentrator is presented with ability to fuse incoming data from multiple sources. Along with hardware updates, a new web interface for controlling the hardware is presented as well as localization system development.
We present the concept of data distribution and dispatching software which is prepared for low latency and high throughput SXR measurement system developed by our group. Its scope includes handling data acquisition from multiple FPGA chips, execution of numerical algorithms with the use of multiple threads and post calculation storage and transfer. Data transfer to CPU side is done with usage of DMA via PCIe interface with specially developed Linux driver. This paper describes the need and details of discussed part of the system.
KEYWORDS: Field programmable gate arrays, Diagnostics, Sensors, Plasma diagnostics, Plasma, Data processing, Signal processing, Digital signal processing, Computer architecture, Physics
This paper discusses the model and the development methodology that was proposed in the implementation process of the heterogeneous system for the WEST thermal fusion reactor. The objective was to provide a systematic approach to provide a heterogeneous device to handle high-throughput workloads with low-latency for the WEST Soft X-Ray impurities diagnostic. The presented mechanism is dedicated to augment the system applicability to a wider area of instrumentation for high-scale physics experiments.
This document was prepared to discuss the high voltage generator module which can be used to supply X-ray Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector. Emphasis was placed on the description of the module’s hardware structure. Furthermore, the detector protecting mechanisms the against the damage have been presented and described.
KEYWORDS: Field programmable gate arrays, Feedback loops, Telecommunications, Computing systems, Data communications, Particle accelerators, Data processing, Algorithm development, Operating systems, Control systems
The paper presents the evaluation study of the performance of the data transmission subsystem which can be used in High Energy Physics (HEP) and other High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems. The test environment consisted of Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA and server-grade PC connected via the PCIe 4xGen2 bus. The DMA engine was based on the Xilinx DMA for PCI Express Subsystem1 controlled by the modified Xilinx XDMA kernel driver.2 The research is focused on the influence of the system configuration on achievable throughput and latency of data transfer.
The paper describes the prototype implemetantion of the Video Signals Integrator (VSI). The function of the system is to integrate video signals from many sources. The VSI is a complex hybrid system consisting of hardware, firmware and software components. Its creation requires joint effort of experts from different areas. The VSI capture device is a portable hardware device responsible for capturing of video signals from different different sources and in various formats, and for transmitting them to the server. The NVR server aggregates video and control streams coming from different sources and multiplexes them into logical channels with each channel representing a single source. From there each channel can be distributed further to the end clients (consoles) for live display via a number of RTSP servers. The end client can, at the same time, inject control messages into a given channel to control movement of a CCTV camera.
The requirements given for GEM (Gaseous Electron Multiplier) detector based acquisition system for plasma impurities
diagnostics triggered a need for the development of a specialized software and hardware architecture. The amount of
computations with latency and throughput restrictions cause that an advanced solution is sought for. In order to provide a
mechanism fitting the designated tokamaks, an insight into existing solutions was necessary. In the article there is
discussed architecture of systems used for plasma diagnostics and in related scientific fields. The developed solution is
compared and contrasted with other diagnostic and control systems. Particular attention is payed to specific requirements
for plasma impurities diagnostics in tokamak thermal fusion reactor. Subsequently, the details are presented that justified
the choice of the system architecture and the discussion on various approaches is given.
KEYWORDS: Video, Video surveillance, Cameras, Imaging systems, Legal, System integration, Data processing, Information security, Telecommunications, Control systems
Preventing and eliminating the risks of terrorist attacks or natural disasters as well as an increase in the security of mass events and critical infrastructure requires the application of modern technologies. Therefore there is a proposal to construct a tool that integrates video signals transmitted by devices that are a part of video monitoring systems functioning in Poland. The article presents selected results of research conducted by the Police Academy in Szczytno under the implemented project for national defense and security on “Video Signals Integrator" Acronym – VSI. Project Leader: Warsaw University of Technology. The consortium: Police Academy in Szczytno, Atende Software Ltd., VORTEX Ltd. No. DOBBio7/ 01/02/2015 funded by the National Centre for Research and Development.
KEYWORDS: Video, Video surveillance, System integration, Cameras, Standards development, Video compression, Telecommunications, Computer programming, Databases, Computing systems
The purpose of the project is development of a platform which integrates video signals from many sources. The signals can be sourced by existing analogue CCTV surveillance installations, recent internet-protocol (IP) cameras or single cameras of any type. The system will consist of portable devices that provide conversion, encoding, transmission and archiving. The sharing subsystem will use distributed file system and also user console which provides simultaneous access to any of video streams in real time. The system is fully modular so its extension is possible, both from hardware and software side. Due to standard modular technology used, partial technology modernization is also possible during a long exploitation period.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.