Accelerator control systems without minicomputers

A paper given last year described in general terms a plan for the control of a large machine using assemblies of microcomputer units which simulate a conventional minicomputer by multiprocessing. In every other way the SPS control philosophy is followed. The design of a model assembly has allowed us to learn something about the protocols needed inside and between assemblies, as well as to assess more accurately what level of technology it is reasonable to apply. In any control system of this kind it would be desirable to allow engineering contributions from a variety of sources, and yet ensure the homogeneity needed for the system to remain reliable and comprehensible. Methods of achieving this are discussed. (Auth.)