The Vax CAMAC Channel

A new generation CAMAC System has been developed for the Mark II Detector at SLAC's PEP storage ring. This flexible system can efficiently transfer data between a host computer and a very large set of CAMAC data acquisition and control modules. A bipolar microprocessor operates as a "Channel" interface by supervising the CAMAC system and minimizing the host computer's work. This programmable channel couples the host to a set of "System Crates"; each System Crate houses "Branch Drivers" that can directly control a set of crates or communicate over differential parallel highways to "Branch Receivers" for control of distant crates. A coherent software package integrates the high level programs, system driver level programs, and microcode control of the system.