BRAHMS DAQ related Schedule

The following is a tentative schedule of the various DAQ related tasks for BRAHMS. It is assumed that RHIC will become operational in 1999. The DAQ system will be fully implemented and tested by 1999.

1996:
- Port HP code to solaris to permit testing of the prototype TPC in the first half of 1996.
  - 2 weeks
- Implement EPICS for control of available moudules
  - 2 Months
- Start implementing the BRAHMS (portable) DAQ
  - 4 Months
  - Requires Solaris 2 or AIX
- Determine Trigger Supervisor for BRAHMS
  - Feasibility of using CEBAF TS.
  - Agreement/arrangement with CEBAF.
  - Design of interface to various detectors.
- Design and prototype:
  - TPC trigger/clock driver
  - Modification to trigger/clock receiver on TPC read-out board
    - 1 Month
    - RAS: 2 Months
  - Phase I of TPC receiver board (No pedestal suppression)
    - 3 Months
    - RAS: 4 Months
    - HD: 6 Months
- Make appropriate modifications to the TPC readout board to permit digitization/readout of only a fraction of TPC FEE SCA (e.g. 128 channels instead of 512)
- Implement the slow HDLC link to the TPC readout board
  - 1 Month
1997:
- Prototype final TPC receiver board (with pedestal suppression)
  - 2 Months
  - RAS: 6 Months
  - HD: 4 Months
- Fully debug the TPC receiver board
- Purchase and incorporate the STRUCK STR340/SFI FASTBUS interface in the DAQ
  - 1 Month
- Make/purchase the trigger supervisor and incorporate it in the DAQ
  - RAS: ?
- DAQ software should be "complete" by the end of 1997.
  - 6 Months
- Control software should be "complete" by the end of 1997.
  - 2 Months
- FINISH DEBUGGING THE CENTRALITY DETECTOR INTERFACE TO DAQ.
- Make final decision on VME processors based on the availability of hardware as well as corresponding software at the end of 1997.
1998:
- Place all orders for DAQ hardware/software ASAP. Tape drive(s) can be purchased at the end of 1998 if data is written to tape from a workstation (if reliable driver available).
- Build and test all locally designed BRAHMS DAQ hardware (TPC Receiver boards, ...) ASAP.
- Implement and test complete DAQ system.
- Implement and test the full BRAHMS control system (EPICS).
1999:
- More Debugging
- Wait for beam !!!