Application of an Array Processor to Data Analysis in Medium Energy Physics

The rate at which data may be acquired using LAMPF's high resolution magnetic spectrometers, HRS and EPICS, at times considerably exceeds the rate at which it may be analyzed with the on-line PDP-11/45's. At HRS in particular, data is routinely taken in a mode where less than 20% of the events may be completely analyzed even using well optimzed software. In order to achieve a situation in which data may be analyzed at a rate comparable to that at which it was acquired, a Floating Point Systems AP-120B Array Processor has been interfaced to the off-line PDP-11/60. The goal of this combination is to produce a system on which data may be analyzed at least a factor of 5 faster than is possible on-line, while maintaining as nearly as possible the same capabilities and user interface as with the standard off-line or on-line analysis.