SPARC2024 internship reporting session
This report details the advancements made in the implementation of ALFRED (ALICE Low Level Front End Device) for managing configuration control within Fast Interaction Trigger (FIT) laboratory and facilitating data exchange between WinCC O.A. and ALF (ALICE Low Level Frontend). The project’s main goal was to enhance FRED (Front End Device) by integrating FRED MAPI (Message Application Interface), enabling the development of DIM (Distributed Information Management) services and commands. These enhancements allow for efficient communication between WinCC O.A. and ALF, including data transmission, processing, and subsequent command requests to ALF, which interfaces with the electronics. This implementation streamlines the replacement of the "Control Server" software in FIT LAB and provides detector management through the WinCC O.A. User Interface.
The objective of this project was to implement the existing "ControlServer" features to be based on WinCC OA 3.19. The project involved preparing a concept for the development of the FIT (Fast Trigger Interaction) detector control system, developing how to process DIM (Distributed Information Management System) services and commands, establishing a connection to the FRED (Flexible Framework for Frontend Electronics Control) server and setting up the SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) system. This application is initially intended to be implemented in a laboratory setting, where it will enable the creation of a training station for On-Call experts, and then in the future FIT setup.
The main goal of the project was to design a system for moving and positioning both halves of the FoCal detector. An important issue was accurate positioning and operation despite significant deflection of the base structure. A preliminary design and commercial components were chosen after contact with companies.
The main idea of the project was to create a model of the structure used to lift the FoCal detector, in order to place it in service position inside the ALICE experiment. The project also included the performance of relevant calculations and simulations confirming the strength of the designed structure. Documentation describing the procedure for placing the detector in service position has also begun to be developed. A preliminary method for naming and numbering detector parts has also been developed.
This report presents the progress made in the conceptual design of the readout plane for the FoCal-H electronics, a significant component of the Forward Calorimeter (FoCal) in the ALICE experiment at the LHC. The primary objective of this project is to develop a robust structure and mechanical support to ensure accurate readout of data transmitted from scintillating fibers through siliconphotomultipliers (SiPMs). These advancements are vital for enabling the precise data acquisition necessary for high-energy event measurements.
