Data Acquisition Systems and Computing Infrastructure of the IBR-2 Complex: present and near future
In the period 2003-2009 in the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, JINR, the total modernization of the IBR-2 pulsed reactor which is mainly used for investigations in condensed matter physics using thermal neutron scattering will be carried out (it is planned to replace the movable and stationary reflectors and reactor jacket, to conduct fuel reloading, to update the automated system for measurement and control of the reactor parameters, etc). The main aims of the IBR-2 modernization are to improve the reactor parameters and to increase the nuclear safety and reliability of the reactor. In the mentioned period the development of new instruments and modernization of existing neutron spectrometers are planned as well. In this connection in FLNP the 7-years program of the development of DAQ system and computing infrastructure was worked out.The main problems in building new DAQ systems for neutron spectrometers are reliability, cost, time of development and commissioning and rapid system adaptation. Adaptability is of key importance since it gives the flexibility to meet unknown future needs.