The MSU NSCL data acquisition (DAQ) system
(http://www.nscl.msu.edu/)
has been deployed at the Nuclear Science Lab since 2005. Currently we
have two identical DAQ systems for production experiments. A third system
with the same hardware configuration is intended for testing, upgrading,
and possibly new-feature-demanding runs with the new releases of the
NSCL DAQ software.
These systems adopt the modern VME standard for processing high-density fast VME digital modules. The VME crates housing the front-end electronics can be stationed at target rooms, control room, or setup area where they are connected via fiber optic cables to the DAQ servers in the mezzanine computer room. The debian linux operating system runs on these dual-cpu Dell PowerEdge rack servers with disk raid arrays for reliable online data storage. The VME-based systems can also read out legacy CAMAC modules via the VME-CAMAC controller. A Notre Dame readout software template developed in house is available for the common needs of the experiments at the NSL.
The lab also maintains two identical legacy ORNL data acquisition systems. Each system consists of a front end based on a VME processor coupled to one or more CAMAC crates. The capability of running Caen VME digital modules with the two legacy systems has been implemented and is ready for use.
In addition, two separate MPA-3 systems produced by FAST ComTec GmbH are in use for use with 8 and 16 channels respectively. One system is used primarily with the KN/JN accelerators while the second is dedicated to the GEORGINA gamma detector array. We also have three ORTEC Maestro-32 dual-channel USB MCA systems that are commonly used in gamma ray counting stations, target measurement, and other small test setups.
Shown above is the MPA-3 DAQ system interface in use with the KN.
Shown above is an example of the MSU DAQ system in use on the FN.
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