Supported Hardware: Difference between revisions

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The driver library is continuously extended to suit the needs of various experiments based on the selected hardware modules.
Over the last 20 years, the hardware used for physics experiment did evolved from CAMAC or FastBus to VME and more recently Network devices gathering data from custome FPGAs acquisition boards.
Not all commercially available modules are included as we don't have all the modules in hand. But you're more than welcome to contribute by providing your driver code if the module that you're using is not yet listed.
The Midas '''drivers''' directory will reflect this evolution as you will find sub-directories specific to each of these hardware family.
Obviously not all Models for a given category are present, but similarity between their operations may provide you a good starting point for a particular driver development.


The drivers are located in the ''drivers'' directory of the MIDAS distribution.
=== CAMAC === 
Some libraries consist only of a header file, others of a C file plus a header file.
Even though CAMAC is not much used any more, when simple test need to be setup and old equipment can be found, it can provide a quick solution to a usually
The file names usually refer to the manufacturer abbreviation, followed by the model number of the device.
cumbersome system.
Recent USB/CAMAC interface is quite attractive as they provide '''fast CAMAC cycle''', data collection through preloaded CAMAC list and shelf permanently the old ISA or PCI interfaces that newer hardware can't support anymore.  


The '''drivers''' directory is subdivided in several directories which refers to either the type of bus ie: CAMAC, FastBus, VME, PCI, USB or type of software layer such as Class, Device, Bus.
=== FastBus ===
This hardware was accessed through VME. Modules are obsolete.


=== VME ===
VME is still widely used and various type of VME interfaces can be found such as: VME processors, USB link, Optical link to PCIe card, Network based interfaces. '''BS Bit3 617''', '''SIS3100''' interfaces, '''VMIC''' and '''VxWorks''' processors are the main DAQ platform used with Midas.
=== USB ===
=== Software layers ===
==== Class ====
==== Device ====
==== Bus ====
The software layers sections are used in particular for Slow Control System. Example are available in the distribution under '''examples/slowcont/frontend.c''' including the ''hv'' and ''multi'' class with the ''nulldev'' device and ''null'' bus driver.  
The software layers sections are used in particular for Slow Control System. Example are available in the distribution under '''examples/slowcont/frontend.c''' including the ''hv'' and ''multi'' class with the ''nulldev'' device and ''null'' bus driver.  


Note: not all the device drivers implement the triple layer (Class, Device, Bus) as some include the hardware calls directly from the device layer.
Note: not all the device drivers implement the triple layer (Class, Device, Bus) as some include the hardware calls directly from the device layer.
[[File:Drivers.png| 1200px | MIDAS Drivers directory structure]]

Revision as of 11:34, 30 October 2013

Over the last 20 years, the hardware used for physics experiment did evolved from CAMAC or FastBus to VME and more recently Network devices gathering data from custome FPGAs acquisition boards. The Midas drivers directory will reflect this evolution as you will find sub-directories specific to each of these hardware family. Obviously not all Models for a given category are present, but similarity between their operations may provide you a good starting point for a particular driver development.

CAMAC

Even though CAMAC is not much used any more, when simple test need to be setup and old equipment can be found, it can provide a quick solution to a usually cumbersome system. Recent USB/CAMAC interface is quite attractive as they provide fast CAMAC cycle, data collection through preloaded CAMAC list and shelf permanently the old ISA or PCI interfaces that newer hardware can't support anymore.

FastBus

This hardware was accessed through VME. Modules are obsolete.

VME

VME is still widely used and various type of VME interfaces can be found such as: VME processors, USB link, Optical link to PCIe card, Network based interfaces. BS Bit3 617, SIS3100 interfaces, VMIC and VxWorks processors are the main DAQ platform used with Midas.

USB

Software layers

Class

Device

Bus

The software layers sections are used in particular for Slow Control System. Example are available in the distribution under examples/slowcont/frontend.c including the hv and multi class with the nulldev device and null bus driver.

Note: not all the device drivers implement the triple layer (Class, Device, Bus) as some include the hardware calls directly from the device layer.

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