1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE

This document describes in detail how to use the infrared detector control software and the IRACE controller. It also gives an introduction in how to apply application specific extensions and data pre-processing algorithms. Most parts of this document are also available via an on-line manual (`iracqStart -man' from the UNIX-shell or `Extended Help' in the control panel).

1.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The following documents, of the exact issue shown, form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. In the event of conflict between the documents referenced herein and the contents of this document, the contents of this document shall be considered as a superseding requirement.

[1] VLT-PRO-ESO-10000-0228, 1.0 10/03/93 - VLT Software - Programming Standards

1.3 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

The following documents are referenced in this document.

[2] VLT-TRE-ESO-14100-1654 - Infrared Array Control Electronics (IRACE) Design Description

[3] VLT-SPE-ESO-14100-0843 - VLT Software - ISAAC Detector Control Software - IRACE Part, Design Description

[4] VLT-SPE-ESO-14100-1626 - VLT Software - ISAAC Detector Control Software - IRACE PPS For Solaris, Design Description

[5] SCD User's Guide, Engineering Design Team

[6] PCI CD User's Guide, Engineering Design Team

[7] VLT-MAN-ESO-14100-2108 - VLT Software - IRACE-DCS Real-Time Display Application, User Manual

1.4 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this document:

ADC Analog Digital Converter

BPP Bidirectional Parallel Port (SPARC-SBUS)

CCS Central Control Software

CI Command Interpreter

CLDC Clock converter and DC-voltage generator

DAC Digital Analog Converter

DFE Detector Front Electronics

DMA Direct Memory Access

DCS Detector Control Software

ECCS Extended CCS

ECPP Extended Capability Parallel Port (IEEE 1284)

HW Hardware

ICMD IRACE Command Interface Module

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IF Interface

IFP Interface Protocol

I/O Input/Output

IRACE Infrared Array Control Electronics

ISEQ IRACE Sequencer

ISO International Standardisation Organisation

LAN Local Area Network

LCU Local Control Unit

N/A Not Applicable

NC Number Cruncher

PP Parallel Port

PPS Pre-Processing System

SBT SBus <-> Transputer Interface (OS-Link)

SCL Sequencer- and CLDC-module

SCSI Small Computer System Interface

SP Server Protocol (INMOS standard protocol for communication

between transputer and host).

SW Software

TBC To Be Confirmed

TBD To Be Defined

TCOM Transputer Communication Module

TIF Transputer Interface (OS-Link <-> fiberoptic)

VLT Very Large Telescope

WS Workstation

1.5 GLOSSARY

Clock pattern
The consecution of logical states necessary to clock the read-out of the detector;

Link
Physical connection between transputers and between transputers and external devices;

Link Adapter
Adapter from external devices to transputer links;

OS-link
Oversampled link (INMOS T2/T4/T8 series);

Sequencer
Irace Sequencer, which generates the clock patterns for detector read-out;

Subpattern
Block of logical clock states of the sequencer module; The clock pattern is built from these units.

1.6 STYLISTIC CONVENTIONS

The following styles are used:

bold
in the text, for commands, filenames, pre/suffixes as they have to be typed.

italic
in the text, for parts that have to be substituted with the real content before typing.

teletype
for examples.

<name>
in the examples, for parts that have to be substituted with the real content before typing.

bold and italic are also used to highlight words.

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