The Technical Data Server for the Control of 100'000 Points
of the Technical Infrastructure of CERN

P. Ninin, H. Laeger, S. Lechner, R. Martini,
D. Sarjantson, P. Sollander, A. Swift
CERN ST/95- 05 (MC)


We have defined a Technical Data Server (TDS) to be used for the supervision and control of the technical infrastructure of CERN by its dedicated control room (TCR) and by equipment groups. The TDS is basically a real- time database which contains all states of the technical infrastructure: 100'000 points describing electrical distribution, cooling water, air- conditioning, vacuum, safety and similar systems. It is expected that the TDS will substantially increase system performance and ease operation.

As the concept of such a data server is also of interest to other groups in CERN accelerator and experimental physics divisions, detailed software and user requirements, as well as criteria for selection, implementation and maintenance have been elaborated in common with these groups. The project adheres fully to the ESA PSS- 05 Software Engineering Standards and its life- cycle approach.

This paper describes the data acquisition and distribution mechanisms, the interfaces to equipment, to existing alarm and data logging systems and to operator supervision consoles, the alarm reduction mechanism, as well as error- handling and logging. Problems encountered during the project life cycle are discussed in some detail.