This paper describes an inexpensive and innovative VME transient recor
der module, with 64 multiplexed analog input channels, 12-bit resoluti
on, sampling rate up to 666 kSPS and 2 MWords of local memory providin
g standalone operation capability. This module was developed for the o
peration control of the tokamak ISTTOK[1]. Its architecture takes adva
ntage of the large scale integration and improved dynamic performance
of recently developed devices. The main operational features are descr
ibed and methods for assessing the performance are discussed. The expe
rimental results already obtained as well as the philosophy of operati
on and programmability of this module suggest its adequacy to the moni
toring of a large and complex nuclear physics experiment.