Early stages in the development of the global rf feedback for the SSC Low Energy Booster

A new method to generate the controlled master frequency has been designed to meet the requirements for accelerating the beam in the Low Energy Booster of the Superconducting Super Collider. This method is also designed to achieve rf synchronization for beam transfer to the Medium Energy Booster. The sweeping of the rf during acceleration complicates the programmed synchronization. The architecture discussed in this paper can be tailored to include all types of synchronization methods. Global synchronization timing for collider injection is discussed briefly. With the available hardware the frequency is updated at intervals of less than a microsecond using a TMS320C30, floating-point Digital Signal Processor. We are investigating the feasibility of generating the frequency with a Direct Digital Synthesizer as the frequency source for smooth acceleration within the LED frequency range. Some of the problems associated with the products are discussed with a view to improve the design. 7 refs., 9 figs