A VMEBUS BASED DATA-ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR A MULTIELEMENT DETECTOR ARRAY

A data acquisition system based on VME standard modules has been desig ned for MULTICS, a multi-element detector array [1]. The system is com posed of a master crate housing CPU's, Memories, Interface and Pattern boards. Up to 15 VME slave crates can be connected using the VMV vert ical bus for ADC and TDC boards. A Macintosh Quadra is used as a conso le to provide a user friendly environment to send commands to the CPU' s. Tools in the system include collecting and storing data, displaying histograms, handling all hardware parameters (high and low thresholds , rise time protection etc..). Diagnostic functions and error messages are also available to detect hardware failures or incorrect settings for the modules.