Acquisition, data retrieval, interlock and control systems for the negative ion source NIO1

The NIO1 (Negative Ion Optimization, phase 1) experiment is a versatile test bench with goal of delivering a negative hydrogen beam current of 135mA accelerated to -60kV and divided into 9 beamlets. NIO1 is operated by Consorzio RFX and INFN in the framework of the activities aimed at the enhancement of negative ion sources for production of large ion beams for plasma heating in nuclear fusion devices and accelerator applications. For the NIO1 device an Acquisition, Data Retrieval, Interlock and Control (ADRIC) system was realised. The present paper gives a detailed description of the overall structure of ADRIC, which integrates together the various components; the single parts are also described, particularly highlighting the adoption of novel equipment. A special asset of this system is its flexibility when adding new components.