Test status:
Both JEM 0.1 and 0.2 have been successfully operated in a crate environment at RAL. The JEMs were clocked by the TTC system. The RTDPs of the JEMs have been exercised by both internal data from the playback memories and LVDS data sent by a DSS on 16 channels. Hardware and firmware were tested to the extent permitted by the software, which was mainly written on the spot.
Transmission tests using playback memories:
The data transmission from playback to spy memories was successfully tested for
the energy sum path (ET only). No systematic tests of all channels / both
modules yet. No jet path tests yet.
Transmission tests using DSS:
All tested channels lock to the LVDS signals. The channels stay in lock with
pseudo random numbers. Constant data were sent from the DSS and the results
appeared correctly on the energy trigger outputs. No systematic tests of all
channels / both modules yet.
Software status:
Software is ready to fill playback memories, start playback and spy memory
operation for 256 ticks and read out spy data. Also available is software to spy
on energy results obtained from the LVDS - received data. The DSS TV-reader is
almost finished.
Work to be done:
Hardware/Firmware:
Add TTC lock monitor and TTC reset to the TTC daughter / control FPGA circuitry
to allow for software controlled reset. Modifications of the TTCrx clock buffer
scheme might be required, depending on timing test results. Clock monitor
circuitry should be added on the control FPGA, if possible, so as to rule out
that despite TTC 'ready' signal one of the required clocks does not come up. The
issue of unreliable read operations on the VME CPLD will have to be tackled.
Attila will need to supply working configurations for both the trigger
algorithms and the FIO path readout.
Software:
In preparation of the next test session, scheduled for the end of February, the
software will have to be expanded considerably, so as to allow for systematic
tests of all channels of both modules, the operation of the input
synchronisation (incl. delay settings), and the delay scan of the FIO data transmission.
Since a Mainz visit by Attila is scheduled from Feb. 10, all jet and TTC related
work should preferably take place in that period. Some discussion will be needed
on the required error limits, and whether they can be achieved under software
control, or if dedicated firmware is required (PRN generator / checker).
Intense discussions with RAL/B'ham are probably required to sort out the issue of process synchronisation for modules living in different crates. As a quick fix it might be possible to run the software independently on each of the crates and proceed a pointer in a list of operations with help of TTC broadcast commands.
Tests at Mainz:
Further tests:
At RAL, most likely from Feb 24, further tests will take place (next UK meeting Feb.27th? B'ham?).