Development of a new Frequency Program in the CERN Proton Synchrotron

The development of a new frequency program in the Proton Synchrotron (PS) is a project that links existing and new infrastructure in the first particle accelerator built at CERN. In a particle synchrotron, the magnetic field strength of the bending magnets and the revolution frequency of the particles are coupled to keep a circulating beam at fixed orbit during acceleration. The frequency program delivers a revolution frequency based on the measurements of the bending magnets. Ongoing renovations in the magnet measurement system are changing the way the information is distributed from the magnets. Once implemented, it will represent a step towards fully digital beam controls. This project involves development of both Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) firmware and Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) in the form of FPGA Mezzanine Cards (FMCs) to adapt the frequency program to the new transmission protocol called White Rabbit. The White Rabbit is a network solution that provides synchronous Ethernet with deterministic low latency data transmissions. The objective has been to find a solution that meets all requirements for a new frequency program that is compatible with the relevant transmission protocols in its environment. The aim has been to solve the technical issues involved and bring the project to a level where the further development for implementation and commissioning can proceed without difficulty. The solution described in this thesis is a firmware development containing the White Rabbit functionality for implementation on the dedicated White Rabbit end-node hardware mounted with custom FMCs for serial link communication with the beam controls. Transmission tests with the Magnets Measurement section have been carried out successfully under realistic conditions, fully validating the new development as a functional solution in its environment. The upgrade of the revolution frequency program has been an important part in maintaining acceptable performance of the PS and securing compatibility with future beam operation.