Conceptual design for the TPX Central Instrumentation and Control System

The Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) is the next major device planned by the US fusion program. The device will be located at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and is currently scheduled to begin operation in the Spring of the year 2000. TPX will be a steady state device which is designed, constructed, and operated as a national experiment in collaboration with a number of major institutions. Most current fusion experiments operate in a pulsed mode and rely on data capture during the pulse with later data retrieval, analysis, and display. TPX, however, will require a real time data handling and analysis capability. This paper discusses the conceptual design for the TPX Central Instrumentation and Control (I&C) System. The design supports both the collaborative and steady state nature of the experiment. The design incorporates full integration of audio and video systems at the desktop and the use of standardized commercially available hardware and software systems. Key components of the Central I&C systems include guidance for subsystem design and prototype development and standardized operating stations for engineering and physics subsystems. It includes synchronization, safety, interlock, and controlled access systems and the control room facility with networks and data handling systems. The conceptual design include's a description of implementation philosophy as well as cost and schedules.