Overview and status of the control system of WENDELSTEIN 7-X

The new quality of the superconducting fusion device WENDELSTEIN 7-X (W7-X) is its capability for long-pulse operation. Discharge operations can be up to 30 min with full heating power. Considering the steady state operation capability the W7-X system control will be important for future long-term fusion experiments. A wide spectrum of requirements has to be considered during its design and realization. The experimental nature of the W7-X project requires high flexibility for machine operation and automatic program controlled operation. Main subject of this article is the description of a local control component as a part of the system control of W7-X. After a short overview about the structure of the system control a generic model of the local control components is described. This model permits a standardized procedure to integrate a component into the control system. The standard interfaces of the local components are described. Currently, some of the technical components of W7-X are already delivered, the others being in the phase of procurement