Physics & Astronomy

A LabView Based Ion Source Control System

Klug JN, Meijer J, Apool A

Ruhr-University Bochum, Dynamitron-Tandem-Laboratory, Bochum, Germany

A new control system for both injectors at the 4 MV Dynamitron tandem accelerator is under development in Bochum. Currently two different systems are in use: one based on motor-driven lucite rods, the other based on pressurized air. The new system is based on National Instruments (NI) compactFieldpoint system and fiber optic, together with a standard industrial personal computer running Windows XP and LabView 8.

The presentation will cover a description of the old systems, with an analysis of the problems that have been discovered during the past 30 years. The design of the new system (hardware and software) will be presented and first experiences will be reported.

In conclusion a comparison of the old and the new system will be given together with some ideas for future developments.