Improvement of the real-time processor in JT-60 data processing system

Real-time processor, RTP is a basic subsystem in the JT-60 data processing system and plays an important role in JT-60 feedback control for plasma experiment. During the experiment, RTP acquires various diagnostic signals, processes them into a form of physical values, and transfers them as sensor signals to the particle supply and heating control supervisor for feedback control via reflective memory synchronization with 1 ms clock signals. After the start of RTP operation in 1997, to meet the demand for advanced plasma experiment, RTP had been improved continuously such as by addition of diagnostic signals with faster digitizers, reducing time for data transfer utilizing reflective memory instead of CAMAC. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, manage, and improve the outdated RTP with limited system CPU capability. Currently, a prototype RTP system is being developed for the next real-time processing system, which is composed of clustered system utilizing VxWorks computer. The processes on the existing RTP system will be decentralized to the VxWorks computer to solve the issues of the existing RTP system. The prototype RTP system will start to operate in August 2008. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.