A VMEbus based data acquisition system for a multi-element detector array

A data acquisition system based on VME standard modules has been designed for MULTICS, a multi-element detector array. The system is composed of a master crate housing CPU's, memories, interface and pattern boards. Up to 15 VME slave crates can be connected using the VMV vertical bus for ADC and TDC boards. A Macintosh Quadra is used as a console to provide a user friendly environment to send commands to the CPU's. Tools in the system include collecting and storing data, displaying histograms, handling all hardware parameters (high and low thresholds, rise time protection etc.). Diagnostic functions and error messages are also available to detect hardware failures or incorrect settings for the modules.