Modular Accelerator Design

A modular approach to the design of accelerators is presented. A 30-inch AVF cyclotron has been built on this approach where all major assemblies are self-contained modules. Each unit, such as the magnet, RF system, vacuum system, ion source, and extraction system, was independently assembled, operated, and tested. Such an approach enabled the accelerator to be so flexible that systems of different designs, such as two-dee or single-dee acceleration, could be interchanged without modifying other parts of the machine. The features which permitted this approach on the now operational 30-inch cyclotron are presented, along with suggestions on how a modular design concept might well be used on larger accelerators.