Industrial Control Solutions in Research Laboratories

During the 1970’s, while computer technology was developing under the thrust of the ever increasing need for data processing, large projects in the fields of astronomy and physics were launched. They provided an incentive for the development of advanced architecture in control engineering. More than twenty years later, industry is producing very efficient generic control solutions in response to the present competitive situation. Our machines are supplied with electricity, water, air, helium, vacuum, etc., for which the production and/or the distribution are industrial processes. Let us use industrial solutions to bring savings in terms of both money and human resources. There is a natural tendency to be conservative and the progress towards the “don’t make but buy” approach is slowed down by arguments ranging from misunderstanding in the best of cases to unwillingness in the worst. Let us explain to those who are confused. INTRODUCTION Particle physics relies totally on statistics, as the precision of experimental results is primarily driven by the number of collected events. This explains why the ever increasing need for number crunching has been one of the major incentives for the development of computer technology during the 1960’s. Mainframes sizes were continuously growing to cope with all aspects of scientific work. The need to shorten the time between the production of events and their analysis prompted the development of on-line connections, creating the first mesh of today’s communication networks. Similarly, computer-based control systems started with a centralized architecture, the equipment being connected by simple communication lines. During the 1970’s, the large size of the machines being built compelled control engineers to install computers near the equipment in order to address the cabling problem. Consequently, computer communication protocols were developed and gave the main control rooms the means of getting the data from and sending the commands to the equipment, via the distributed computers. These developments, originating from our research laboratories, constitute one of their technological spin-offs. Industrial action in this field, driven in the early days by our pioneering engineers, is today guided by the strength of the consumer market. Very satisfactory solutions have been developed in response to the present industrial competitive situation. They can be used for our needs and bring savings in terms of both money and human resources. THE MEANING OF INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS The engineers’ attitude The debates concerning industrial control systems show a discrepancy in the different meanings given to this phrase in the scientific community. Engineers and technicians are influenced by two factors: experience and conservatism. Those living in isolation as recluses do not follow the external evolution and may or may not understand its true meaning. Others defending their position and/or their work, in other words their motivation, resist their introduction with questionable arguments.