IMPLEMENTATION AND INTEGRATION OF THE SNS TIMING AND MACHINE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) under construction in Oak Ridge, TN will produce high intensity neutron pulses using a linear accelerator and an accumulator ring to put 1.5x10 14 protons/pulse onto a liquid mercury target at 60 Hz. The timing and synchronization system for this facility consists of two globally distributed links, an 'event link (EL) ' for triggers and a 'real-time data link (RTDL) ' for data. This system was originally designed for RHIC, and was modified for SNS requirements. A 'Machine Protection System (MPS)' protects the accelerator against equipment failure and excessive beam losses, dependent upon the operational mode of the accelerator and the beam dump in use. These two systems are tightly integrated. The operational mode is distributed on the RTDL. The MPS uses the timing system to assure operation within specified duty cycle and pulse width limits. In addition, information on shut-down causes originating with the MPS is broadcast by the timing system for post mortem analysis. The status of implementation of these two systems, and experience during the commissioning of the front end will be presented. Some tools for post mortem analysis and plans for the future will be discussed