Overview
This report details the development, construction, and integration of the NA64-DTC remote automation controller. The controller is designed for the “DESY Table” motorized platform, which is utilized across CERN’s East-Area and North-Area experimental installations. The system facilitates remote and automated operation of the DESY Table, aiming to reduce manual intervention during beam activities.
Research Context
The “DESY Table” motorized platform is widely used in experimental setups at CERN, specifically within the East-Area and North-Area installations. The need for remote and automated control of this platform has driven the development of the NA64-DTC. This initiative originated with the NA64 experiment, but the resulting solution is considered applicable to other CERN experiments that employ the DESY Table platform.
Approach
The NA64-DTC controller is constructed around an ESP32-C3 System-on-Module. This module serves as the core of the device. The controller interfaces with the DESY Table's manual control panel through a signal duplication connector. To enable simultaneous operation with the existing manual system without requiring modifications to the original hardware, the device emulates button presses. This emulation is achieved through opto-isolated switches. A Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) server incorporated into the controller allows for external interfacing, which in turn supports experiment-specific integration solutions.
Findings
- The NA64-DTC controller was developed and constructed, integrating an ESP32-C3 System-on-Module.
- The device interfaces with the DESY Table's manual control panel using a signal duplication connector.
- Button presses are emulated via opto-isolated switches, permitting parallel use with the manual control system without hardware alteration.
- An HTTP server running on the controller enables interfacing and supports experiment-specific integration.
- The device underwent successful commissioning at CERN. This commissioning involved experimental installations at the PS-T9 and SPS-H4 beamlines.
- The technical design and operation of the NA64-DTC, along with performance data from commissioning, are described in detail.
Why This Matters
The described NA64-DTC solution offers remote and automated operation capabilities for the DESY Table platform. This is significant because it can lead to a reduction in the need for manual intervention during beam activities at CERN experiments. While initially conceived for the NA64 experiment, the solution holds potential utility for any CERN experiment that utilizes the DESY Table platform.