A PC based supervisory software for power supply ramping for prototype magnet at INO

A PC based Graphical User Interface (GUI) is designed and developed at PE and MCD Section, VECC to control and monitor an M/S DANFYSIK make 1500 A, 30 V, 10 ppm class DC current regulated linear power supply (PS) proposed to be used to energize a prototype water cooled magnet in the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) at the Inter Institutional Centre for High Energy Physics (IICHEP), Madurai. Communicating over a serial link, the GUI provides a programmable interface to customize ramp rates within a predefined limit besides providing buttons for ON/OFF/RESET type actuations. Based on operator input, the software calculates the necessary increments to ramp the current. Additionally, there is also a fine tuning option enabling operators to set current in discrete steps. Several software checks are provided to prevent PS operations in case of a fault, to prevent operators giving ramp rates outside the defined range and ensure approximate matching of set and output currents during a fresh ramp. A password protected diagnostic display is provided for maintenance purpose in which the PS parameters, not required for usual operations, can be monitored. Button to enable first time operators to access help file is also provided. The time stamped values of important parameters are automatically logged in a text file for offline analysis. The paper discusses the design of the GUI based on user requirement, load ratings, safety and points out the novelties incorporated in the process. (author)