Modeling, realization and evaluation of a parallel architecture for the data acquisition in multidetectors

The efficiency increasing in four π (EUROGAM, EUROBALL, DIAMANT) is achieved by an increase in the granularity, hence in the event counting rate in the acquisition system. Consequently, an evolution of the architecture of readout systems, coding and software is necessary. To achieve the required evaluation we have implemented a parallel architecture to check the quality of the events. The first application of this architecture was to make available an improved data acquisition system for the DIAMANT multidetector. The data acquisition system of DIAMANT is based on an ensemble of VME cards which must manage: the event readout, their salvation on magnetic support and histogram construction. The ensemble consists of processors distributed in a net, a workstation to control the experiment and a display system for spectra and arrays. In such architecture the task of VME bus becomes quickly a limitation for performances not only for the data transfer but also for coordination of different processors. The parallel architecture used makes the VME bus operation easy. It is based on three DSP C40 (Digital Signal Processor) implanted in a commercial (LSI) VME. It is provided with an external bus used to read the raw data from an interface card (ROCVI) between the 32 bit ECL bus reading the real time VME-based encoders. The performed tests have evidenced jamming after data exchanges between the processors using two communication lines. The analysis of this problem has indicated the necessity of dynamical changes of tasks to avoid this blocking. Intrinsic evaluation (i.e. without transfer on the VME bus) has been carried out for two parallel topologies (processor farm and tree). The simulation software permitted the generation of event packets. The obtained rates are sensibly equivalent (6 Mo/s) independent of topology. The farm topology has been chosen because it is simple to implant. The charge evaluation has reduced the rate in 'simplex' communication mode to 5.3 Mo/s and at 4.4 Mo/s in 'full-duplex' mode. The obtained results are very satisfactory for an autonomous acquisition of DIAMANT