The LHCb Hostcard USB interface HUSBi: Project Report

The LHCb hostcard USB interface (HUSBi) card is a High Speed USB2.0 communication card used for data interchange and control in high voltage distribution systems for particle detectors at CERN, and particularly in the LHCb experiment. A primary high voltage power supply provides power to the detectors through a network of individual controllers. The HUSBi card is used to link the controllers with host PCs, permitting individual control of all the channels used to supply the detector. The project includes the development of a Linux kernel device driver for the HUSBi communication card. This driver includes a security level that protects the hardware from manipulation that could damage the expensive detector equipment if the high voltage is incorrectly applied. This is done by monitoring each individual channel, and slowly ramping the voltage to the desired level. This thesis includes an overview of the project, with focus on the methods and tools used throughout the course of the project. A description of the knowledge gained from the project is also supplied. Finally, suggestions for improvements or further developments are made.