Nova control system - goals, architecture, and central system design

Control and data acquisition functions for the Nova Laser and Target Irradiation facility are performed by a distributed, hierarchically organized, network of computers and devices interconnected through high speed fiber optic communication links. The architecture established for this control system provides the flexibility within each of its fundamental subsystems (power Conditioning, Alignment, Laser Diagnostics and Target Diagnostics) to optimize internal design and organization according to their specific criteria. Control system integration, support of common functions, and centralization of operation are achieved using a fifth unifying subsystem called Central Controls