System software design for the CDF Silicon Vertex Detector

An automated system for testing and performance evaluation of the CDF (Collider Detector Facility) Silicon Vertex Detector (SVX) data acquisition electronics is described. The SVX data acquisition chain includes the Fastbus sequencer and the Rabbit crate controller and digitizers. The sequencer is a programmable device for which a high level assembly language has been developed. Diagnostic, calibration, and data acquisition programs have been developed in order to operate the modules. The package includes programs written in assembly and Fortran languages that are executed concurrently on the SVX Sequencer modules and either a microvax or an SSP. Test software was included to assist technical personnel during the production and maintenance of the modules. Details of the design of different components of the package and results of the test are reported.<<ETX>>