Success with an automated computer control system

Abstract LLNL has successfully implemented a distributed computer control system for automated operation of an FN tandem accelerator. The control system software utilized is the Thaumaturgic Automated Control Logic (TACL) written by the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility and co-developed with LLNL. Using TACL, accelerator components are controlled through CAMAC using a two-tiered structure. Analog control and measurement are at 12 or 16 bit precision as appropriate. Automated operation has been implemented for several nuclear analytical techniques including hydrogen depth profiling and accelerator mass Spectrometry. An additional advantage of TACL lies in its expansion capabilities. Without disturbing existing control definitions and algorithms, additional control algorithms and display functions can be implemented quickly.