Development and optimization of a new control interface for the ASDEX upgrade high current converters

The original interface between the ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) control system and the power converters of the high current group uses multicore signal cables to transmit command, status and control loop signals. Depending on the configuration of the AUG coils and the converters, these signal cables were manually arranged via connectors on a patch panel. The redesigned control interface will consist of two separate Ethernet links, one for command and status signals and one for control loop signals. With the digital interface, there are no more contacting problems or crosstalk of signals. A new programmable logic controller (PLC) was installed as the central point of the network to coordinate the exchange of command and status signals between AUG and the power converters. In order to achieve short response times in the network, additional PLC hardware was replaced and the real-time capable network protocol PROFINET IO was selected. The second Ethernet connection, which uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), is currently under development. Therefore, an industrial PC was installed to receive the data from AUG and forward it to the corresponding converter feedback control system. While the newer converters with digital feedback control can be connected directly via Ethernet, the older converters with analog feedback control require additional digital-to-analog converters. This paper presents the concept, implementation and optimization of the command and status interface. Furthermore, the design of the prototype of the control loop interface for the converters with analog feedback control as well as initial test results are shown.