A Common Software Configuration Management System for CERN SPS and LEP Accelerators and Technical Services

Software configuration management activities are crucial to assure the integrity of current operational and the quality of new software either being developed at CERN or outsourced. The functionality of the present management system became insufficient with large maintenance overheads. In order to improve our situation, a new software configuration management system has been set up. It is based on Razor, a commercial tool, which supports the management of file versions and operational software releases, along with integrated problem reporting capabilities. In addition to the basic tool functionality, automated procedures were custom made, for the installation and distribution of operational software. Policies were developed and applied over the software development life cycle to provide visibility and control. The system ensures that, at all times, the status and location of all deliverable versions are known, the state of shared objects is carefully controlled and unauthorised changes prevented. It provides a managed environment for software development, in various domains of the SPS and LEP CERN accelerators, and the technical services, automating code and lifecycle management. This paper outlines the reasons for selecting the chosen tool, the implementation of the system, the problems solved and the final goals achieved

The LHC Injection Tests

A series of LHC injection tests was performed in August and September 2008. The first saw beam injected into sector 23; the second into sectors 78 and 23; the third into sectors 78-67 and sectors 23-34-45. The fourth, into sectors 23-34-45, was performed the evening before the extended injection test on the 10th September which saw both beams brought around the full circumference of the LHC. The tests enabled the testing and debugging of a number of critical control and hardware systems; testing and validation of instrumentation with beam for the first time; deployment, and validation of a number of measurement procedures. Beam based measurements revealed a number of machine configuration issues that were rapidly resolved. The tests were undoubtedly an essential precursor to the successful start of LHC beam commissioning. This paper provides an outline of preparation for the tests, the machine configuration and summarizes the measurements made and individual system performance

Controls and software

A large number of components of the LHC controls infrastructure have been intensively exercised during several dry runs and the injection synchronization tests in 2008, in preparation for the LHC start up with beam. All the prior tests were extremely useful to validate the basic functionality, to identify areas of weakness and to prepare the controls to a stable and well functioning infrastructure, which supported the successful LHC start up. This presentation will summarize the outcome of the controls commissioning with emphasis on major components like LSA, Timing synchronization, middleware, logging, and Role Based Access, the issues observed and the improvements to be implemented before the next LHC run in 2009

Controls and the AFT Tool

This paper summarises accelerator Controls and the Accelerator Fault Tracking (AFT) tool for LHC during Run 2. Concerning Controls, the performance and evolution will be covered, with a particular focus on the so-called "Smooth Upgrades" process. Subsequently, the major changes linked with Long Shutdown 2 (LS2) will be described, including End-Of-Life, changes to the GUI strategy, and the introduction of the new Logging system-NXCALS. Finally, re-commissioning considerations and the outlook for Run 3 will be covered. The AFT tool will be described in terms of what value it brought during Run 2, and in what direction it should, or could evolve going forwards

BE Department Annual Report 2011

The Beams Department hosts the Groups responsible for the beam generation, acceleration, diagnostics, controls and performance optimization for the whole CERN accelerator complex. This Report describes the 2011 highlights for the BE Department

BE Department Annual Report 2009

The Beams Department hosts the Groups responsible for the beam generation, acceleration, diagnostics, controls and performance optimization for the whole CERN accelerator complex. This Report describes the 2009 highlights for the BE Department