Streamlining Data Acquisition at CERN with Blinky-Lite and Gantner Instruments

Blinky-lite is an open-source, full-stack remote automation platform for distributed remote access setups typical in large scientific research settings. This article explores how this was accomplished and the flexible capabilities it enables.

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The integration of Gantner Instruments’ Q.series X with the Blinky-Lite network forms the technical core of our system, suitable for complex environments similar to those at CERN. The Q.series X controllers, known for their open interfaces and easy connectivity, are perfect for settings requiring precision and adaptability. This setup connects multiple devices across large distances, ensuring cohesive operation and maintaining data integrity.

The Blinky-Lite Technical Network (https://blinky-lite.org/boxes/tech-network/) connects these controllers, even when they are spaced several hundred meters apart, into a unified control and monitoring system (https://vimeo.com/913219981). This system stores data locally on a computer, which can be accessed remotely via a secure website, ensuring both the security and accessibility of crucial operational data.

The localized data storage on secure computers accessible remotely via secured tunnels addresses several critical challenges:

• Remote and Rugged Environments: Locations similar to CERN pose unique connectivity challenges, including inconsistent GSM network coverage. Our solution ensures reliable data acquisition and monitoring without the dependency on cloud solutions, which may be unreliable in such conditions.
• Security and Intellectual Property Concerns: Local data storage mitigates risks associated with cloud storage. Furthermore, the architecture allows integration without compromising the existing technical network’s security or breaching firewall protections.
• Role-Based Access Control: We enhance security by implementing role-based access control (RBAC) systems. Access to the data and control systems is strictly granted based on the user’s role within the organization. Only authorized personnel can modify configurations or access sensitive data, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized interventions and ensuring data integrity.

Scalability and Flexibility

The integration of Gantner’s Q.series X with Blinky-Lite not only simplifies the initial setup but also offers scalability. As the experimental needs grow in environments similar to CERN, adding more sensors and data points to the network is straightforward. This scalability ensures that the data acquisition system can evolve with the increasing complexity and size of experiments without requiring a complete redesign of the DAQ infrastructure.

Enhanced Integration with Open Interfaces and Easy Connectivity of Q.series X

A key advantage of using Gantner’s Q.series X in settings similar to CERN is its open interfaces and ease of connectivity. These features are critical in environments where systems must seamlessly integrate with various sensors and other data acquisition hardware across a vast and dynamic experimental landscape.

• Open Interfaces: The Q.series X is designed with open interfaces that support a wide range of signal inputs and outputs, accommodating everything from temperature and pressure sensors to high-speed signals. This versatility is essential for diverse experimental setups, ensuring that regardless of the physical phenomena being monitored or controlled, integration with Q.series X is straightforward and does not require custom hardware solutions.
• Easy Connectivity: The controllers facilitate easy connectivity through standard communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, and USB, as well as options for wireless communication where wiring is impractical. This connectivity flexibility allows for quick configuration and reconfiguration of experimental setups, which is crucial in a dynamic research environment where experimental parameters and configurations can change frequently.

Customizable Dashboards and Real-Time Monitoring

Utilizing Blinky-Lite’s customizable dashboard capabilities, each user can tailor their monitoring and control interface according to their specific needs. This personalization enhances the system’s usability and allows for more efficient real-time monitoring and analysis of the experimental data. Engineers and researchers can quickly adjust parameters and respond to alerts, enabling proactive management of the experiments.

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Visit our demo site to explore the capabilities of our integrated solution in environments similar to CERN. Experience firsthand how Gantner Instruments and Blinky-Lite are transforming data acquisition in challenging scientific facilities.

For more detailed information and inquiries, please watch these videos or contact us directly at info@gantner-instruments.com. See our technology in action and learn how it can be applied to your research or industrial needs.

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