Data Logging for Technical Services at CERN

R. Martini, H. Laeger, P. Ninin, E. Pfirsch, P. Sollander

A data logging system for the technical infrastructure of CERN was developed and has been used for over two years by the Technical Control Room (TCR) and by equipment groups. Hardware and some software are common to the SPS/LEP accelerator control system, though some particular features had to be implemented to meet specific requirements of the TCR. One of these requirements is the need for data-logging throughout the year without any interruption. Currently, about two-thousand measurements are logged at rates ranging from one to fifteen minutes; data are kept on line for periods varying between one month and one year, after which they are automatically archived.

This paper gives a description of the data logging system, including the database structure, the interface tools for data management and data display, the data-acquisition mechanism and the integration of the system in the existing control environment. An account is given of the experiences and the problems encountered as well as the evolution of the system.