Glossary

Axis

In IBEX, the term axis refers to a degree-of-freedom within an experimental system. See Axes in IBEX for more detail.

Block

This is a named piece of information created by the user as part of an instrument configuration. A block is essentially an alias to a process variable. A block can have logging enabled and will then appear in the final data file.

Blockserver

This is a Server element of the IBEX control system that is responsible for managing a Block and also a Configuration.

Client-Server

IBEX, like EPICS, is a client-server system. In such systems background processes (servers) provide information for clients (such as a GUI or command line). Multiple clients can communicate with a single server process over the network.

Component

A component in IBEX is, essentially, a mini-configuration. It can be used to create a configuration for a subset of devices attached to an instrument. When the component is included in a configuration, the configuration "inherits" all the definitions from the component.

Configuration

A configuration defines the blocks, IOCs, macros and other items needed to control the instrument. More specifically, a configuration is an information structure which defines and describes an instrument to IBEX.

DAE (Data Acquisition Electronics)

The DAE is a set of electronic cards housed in a VXI/VME crate located in the instrument cabin/pod and maintained by ISIS electronics group. The DAE contains two types of card:

1. Detector cards (many): these cards record neutron counts
2. Environment/period card (only one): this card distributes timing signals etc. and maintains global counters (e.g. number of ISIS pulses, proton charge delivered (PPP))

EPICS

EPICS is an open-source software framework for creating distributed control systems (i.e. for controlling devices which may be distributed across a network). EPICS is the underlying framework used to create IBEX.

GENIE Python

GENIE Python is a python library for instrument control and scripting, maintained by the IBEX team. There is training provided

ICP (Instrument Control Program)

The ICP (sometimes called the ISIS ICP) is a server element of the IBEX control system that controls communication with the DAE. The ICP is also responsible for writing the RAW experiment data file at the end of a run or experiment.

IOC (Input/Output Controller)

An IOC is an EPICS process that provides some service, often managing a device. For example, access to a Eurotherm temperature controller is controlled via an IOC process that provides Process Variable for the relevant control elements

OPI (OPerator Interface)

An OPI is a user interface element of IBEX. In essence, an OPI is a control panel for an individual device attached to an instrument. It allows you to view and modify the PVs that define the state of the device. For example, an OPI is displayed when you click on a device icon on a synoptic view.

PV (Process Variable)

A Process Variable, usually referred to as a PV, is a named piece of information in the EPICS system, such as a temperature setpoint or readback. PVs typically have structured names that uniquely identify them on the network. An example of such a name, in this case for a motor, is: IN:LARMOR:MOT:MTR0101

Server

A Server is a program or device that provides functionality to other devices.

Synoptic

A Synoptic is a view in IBEX that allows users to visualize a beamline, including hardware components and PVs.