Digital Coil protection system for the National Spherical Torus experiment upgrade

An upgrade to the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) is currently in progress. The NSTX Center Stack Upgrade (NSTX-U) experimental device has an operating space that is both larger and more complex than that of the original NSTX. The mechanical integrity of some machine components can be compromised both by the instantaneous values of combinations of magnet currents and as a result of the time histories thereof. An upgrade to the existing protection systems and methodology is required to allow for both safe and effective use of the expanded operating space. A Digital Coil Protection System (DCPS) is planned as a major component of an upgraded Coil Protection System (CPS).