The Starburst, a J-11 based front-end processor system

This paper describes a coherent solution to the demand for ever-increasing performance in CAMAC-based data acquisition and pre-processing systems. It outlines the development of this modular high density system, covering the design decision and trade-offs from the hardware and software standpoints. Current applications are briefly described and the direction of future developments is indicated. The keystone of the system is a single-width module based on a DEC J-11 processor. It offers all the functions of an Auxiliary Crate Controller with programmable LAM-grader; at the same time functioning as an autonomous computer with a high-speed 64K word dual-port memory, console and Q22-bus peripheral interface. This structure supports extension on both, the CAMAC side and the Q-bus side; and the hardware design choices have been made with a view to allowing use of a large range of popular software. The principal module is supported on the CAMAC side by dedicated semi-autonomous memories, and on the computer side by portable winchester and floppy disk storage subsystems, while offering expansion capabilities through the Q22-bus port