Digital Signal Processing: state-of-the-art at CERN and - - PDF document

Digital Signal Processing: state-of-the-art at CERN and recommendations.

Maria Elena Angoletta

• n behalf of the

DSP Working Group

PS Management Board Meeting 11 March 2002

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TOPICS

• 1. DSP WG mandate.
• 2. CERN situation.
• 3. Standardisation.
• 4. Training.
• 5. Efficiency.
• 6. Conclusion.

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High Capacity PLDs

• 1. DSP WG mandate

Scope

• Digital Signal Processing (DSPing)
• Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)
• Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)

Note: PLDs used broadly, to include Simple + Complex PLDs & FPGAs.

To advise PS Division management on how to proceed on DSP technologies & digital signal processing of signals.

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• 2. CERN situation - 1

PLDs

• 1. Widely used, simple to complex tasks.
• 2. Divisions: PS, SL, EP.
• 3. CERN provides & supports development

tools.

• 4. Restricted to 3 manufacturers only

(Xilinx, Altera & Lattice).

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• 2. CERN situation - 2

DSPs

• 1. Mostly TI and AD.
• 2. Divisions: PS, SL, (EP).
• 3. No central support (tools / advice).
• 4. Typical uses:
• a. CERN-made boards

Cost cutting, specific requirements. Examples: Power supplies, Experiments.

• b. COTS boards

Fewer modules, complex signal treatment. Examples: Diagnostics applications.

• 5. Useful COTS development systems
• D.Modules (LEGO-like),
• VC series cameras.

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• 3. Standardisation - 1

PLDs

• “Loose standardisation” already in place.
• Further restrictions impractical.
• WG suggests

no standardisation

Scope

Choice of unique & common ( standard) DSP / PLD platform (h/w + s/w).

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Global cost also a factor

• 3. Standardisation – 2

DSPs

De-facto, only TI & AD at CERN. Reasons against further restriction:

• DSP choice application-driven,
• COTS board: often no choice of DSP,
• A few DSP projects foreseen (in PS),
• Less assembler in future s/w development

easier portability.

• WG suggests no standardisation.

Instead:

Identify “DSP advisors” in PS to help selecting DSPs/COTS boards (need-only basis). Project input: specs, budget & constraints.

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• 4. Training - 1

PLDs

• CERN-wide basic training already exists.
• Other skills covered by university courses.
• Actual practice in real world is best training.

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• 4. Training - 2

DSPs

Status

• No general CERN-wide training.
• A few sporadic courses + manufacturers’

presentations.

Needs

• DSPing
• Continuous information + training for
• staff (platform capabilities & progress),
• experts (new products + hands-on sessions).

Suggestion

• Regular seminars (staff), website, mailing list.
• Keep manufacturers’ exhibits/seminars.
• Specialised + hands-on training for experts.

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• 4. Training - 3

DSPing

Status

• No general CERN-wide training.
• A few sporadic courses.

Needs

• Detailed training for developers/technical

engineers.

• Remain abreast & profit from progress.
• CERN-tailored, formal + hands-on courses.

Suggestion

• Tailored internal + hands-on training.
• Extend it to whole CERN for cost cutting.
• Merge when possible with DSPs training.

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• 6. Efficiency

WG Recommendations

a) Identify experts in different groups, to consult when needs arise (low impact on PS groups). b) Keep experts updated via regular & specialised training (seminars, hands-on courses etc.). c) Gather project-driven temp inter-group teams, with DSPs/DSPing experts, as needs arise.

Aim

General recommendations, to help improve working methods’ efficiency.

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• 6. Conclusion

Standardisation

No standardisation but “DSP Advisors” ( training!).

Training on DSPs

• Manufacturers’ presentations/seminars.
• Seminars/exhibits + hands-on, specialised training for

DSP experts.

• Short & regular general/update seminars, as info to staff.
• DSP/DSPing website (info) & all-levels mailing list .

Training on DSPing

• Internal, open-to-all, carefully tailored training.
• Extend training actions to whole CERN (cost cutting?).

Efficiency

• Consult experts in different groups, as needs arise.
• Regular specialised + hands-on training for experts.
• DSPs/DSPing experts in project-driven, temp inter-group

teams, when needs arise.

• Support Training Service’s CERN-wide action (steering!).