A VXI system for the observation of distributed analog signals

To replace an aging multiplexed observation system of about 1,500 analog signals originating in 5 machines of the CERN PS Complex a VXI system consisting of various oscilloscope and multiplexer modules housed in local crates has been developed. The crates are linked together via an Ethernet cable and run under the VxWorks operating system. An on-line Oracle database allows for reference signals and observation settings to be saved and restored. The signals are displayed within one hundred milliseconds after their capture on virtual oscilloscopes on DEC workstations; these oscilloscopes include all the usual features plus the specific controls related to the CERN context. Two systems accessing about a hundred signals, were delivered in March 1993 as a part of the PS-SL controls rejuvenation project. This paper will describe the hardware and software structure, the current and expected performances as well as costs and forecasts