Error characterization and calibration of real-time magnetic field measurement systems

In synchrotrons at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), magnetic measurement systems known as B-trains measure the magnetic field in the main bending magnets in real-time, and transmit this signal for the control of the synchrotron’s RF accelerating cavities, magnet power converter and beam monitoring systems. This work presents an assessment of the capabilities and performance of the new FIRESTORM (Field In REal-time STreaming from Online Reference Magnets) system as part of the first phase of commissioning. A short summary of the architecture of the measurement system is provided first, followed by the definition of an error model which can be used to characterize random and systematic errors separately. We present a procedure for the metrological calibration and qualification of the B-trains, including an experimental evaluation of the different error sources for the four new systems being commissioned in the Proton Synchrotron Booster (PSB), Low Energy Ion Ring (LEIR), Proton Synchrotron (PS) and the Extra Low ENergy Antiproton (ELENA) ring. In particular, we discuss a method to calibrate systematic gain and offset errors based on the RF cavity frequency offset needed to center the beam on its theoretical orbit

Development of a Real-Time Magnetic Field Measurement System for Synchrotron Control

The precise knowledge of the magnetic field produced by dipole magnets is critical to the operation of a synchrotron. Real-time measurement systems may be required, especially in the case of iron-dominated electromagnets with strong non-linear effects, to acquire the magnetic field and feed it back to various users. This work concerns the design and implementation of a new measurement system of this kind currently being deployed throughout the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) accelerator complex. We first discuss the measurement principle, the general system architecture and the technology employed, focusing in particular on the most critical and specialized components developed, that is, the field marker trigger generator and the magnetic flux integrator. We then present the results of a detailed metrological characterization of the integrator, including the aspects of drift estimation and correction, as well as the absolute gain calibration and frequency response. We finally discuss the latency of the whole acquisition chain and present an outline of future work to improve the capabilities of the system

An Introduction to the Implementation of Digital Control - Leading to the Control of Electrical Power Systems

The control of modern electrical power systems is, in some respects, limited by traditional analogue control methods. It is recognised that digital control can offer significant advantages in enhancing a power system’s closed-loop performance and improve control implementation over traditional analogue methods. In particular, an electrical power system can exhibit optimum performance throughout its operating range and even enhance its operating range through the use of dynamic digital control-coefficients. This paper seeks to describe the process by which a system under continuous-time control can be converted into one which operates with digital control. The aim is to provide an introduction to digital control, based on a design process using the open-loop frequency response of a system. Several problems encountered when designing a digital controller are highlighted; in particular, the effect of the sampling time on the performance of the system. The system performance under digital control is compared to its analogue equivalent, and suggestions are made to minimise the difference between the performances of the two types of implementations

Development of a Real-Time Magnetic Field Measurement System for Synchrotron Control

The precise knowledge of the magnetic field produced by dipole magnets is critical to the operation of a synchrotron. Real-time measurement systems may be required, especially in the case of iron-dominated electromagnets with strong non-linear effects, to acquire the magnetic field and feed it back to various users. This work concerns the design and implementation of a new measurement system of this kind currently being deployed throughout the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) accelerator complex. We first discuss the measurement principle, the general system architecture and the technology employed, focusing in particular on the most critical and specialized components developed, that is, the field marker trigger generator and the magnetic flux integrator. We then present the results of a detailed metrological characterization of the integrator, including the aspects of drift estimation and correction, as well as the absolute gain calibration and frequency response. We finally discuss the latency of the whole acquisition chain and present an outline of future work to improve the capabilities of the system