Synchronization of Processes in a Distributed Real Time System Exemplified by the Control System of the Fusion Experiment WENDELSTEIN 7-X

The fusion experiment Wendelstein 7-X demands synchronizing processes in many distributed technical components with an accuracy from milliseconds to nanoseconds. For this purpose a Trigger-Time-Event system (TTE system) was developed. Its main task is the synchronization of all control components and data acquisition systems. It allows time stamping, processing of trigger signals and event messages. The TTE system offers the possibility to program timing sequences and delays, logic combinations or conditions. After a description of the TTE system the task synchronization in the control system of WENDELSTEIN 7-X is discussed. A special software library (TimeLib) allows dealing with time related variables in a simple and comfortable manner. The efficiency of the synchronization system is exemplified