Electronic crates for the LHC experiments

by Chris PARKMAN, Manfred PLEIN (CERN EP-ESS, Wiener GmbH)

Wednesday 18 Sept 2002, 10:30 → 11:30 Europe/Zurich

40-SS-C01 (CERN)

A common project for the specification and procurement of crates ('subracks') for all four LHC experiments was set up within EP Division in early 2001. Following an invitation to tender, this activity resulted in the placing of a contract with Wiener, Plein & Baus GmbH for the supply and support of crates. The contract covers a modular subrack system based on the IEEE1101.1 series of mechanical specifications, as used by VMEbus and CompactPCI. Specific implementations of VME64x crates in 6U and 9U formats are included, with air and water-cooled power supplies mounted locally in the card-cage or remotely from it, fan-trays and remote control and monitoring. In addition, the modular system permits the mounting of custom backplanes in all positions, as well as the customisation of the power supplies. Following the acceptance of prototypes, the testing of which is currently underway within EP-ESS Group, initial deliveries of production crates are foreseen for end-Q1 2003. The background to the common project and the current progress and future operation of the contract will be described. Detailed descriptions of the specified crates will be given, with information on their performance, modularity and configuration. Prototypes will be available for inspection during the presentation as well as in the afternoon in the EP-ESS offices (Building 4-R-059).