Data acquisition studies for the Superconducting Super Collider

The authors report on simulations of data acquisition systems for experiments at the SSCL (Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory). Using the MODSIM II object-oriented discrete-event simulation language, they have studied the behavior of various front-end circuits, data-collection chips, data-collecting networks, and multilevel triggers. Results include system deadtime, throughput, and efficiency, as they are influenced by data rates and system architecture. The results obtained show several ways of optimizing system performance, and the control features required. It will be possible to make design judgments regarding system implementation based on the trade-offs between performance, buffering, transmission rate, and control complexity.<
>