Real-time standard diagnostic for ASDEX Upgrade

Development of a real-time (RT) data acquisition (DAQ) system for ASDEX Upgrade was started years ago. Based on a modular front-end configuration with serial input/output computer interface a small number of powerful new diagnostics were commissioned. In the course of these developments we concluded that “direct to memory” DAQ concepts hold promise for future DAQ tasks including those with a subsequent RT data processing step. A survey of the requirements of existing and future diagnostics at ASDEX Upgrade was conducted to assess the wider applicability of these DAQ techniques to the upcoming needs for new diagnostics or the refurbishment of old ones. The paper presents the results of the requirements survey and indicates in which cases the developed diagnostic concept can be applied. A series of new diagnostics implemented using these techniques is presented in detail. This covers developed front-end modules as well as whole diagnostic configurations in hardware and software. The achieved DAQ data rates, data transport latencies, and fine-tuning steps to maintain a reliable RT operation are described explicitly. An outlook is given upon the definition of a RT diagnostic standard for ASDEX Upgrade based on the developments described previously.