The BE-CSS Devices, Synchronisation, Processing (DSP) section is responsible for software systems and services supporting real-time control, data acquisition, communication, processing, settings management and sequencing across the CERN Accelerator complex. DSP covers the full lifecycle of these solutions, from specification and development to deployment, operation and support, working closely with BE Operations and stakeholders throughout the Accelerator & Technology Sector (ATS).

Front-End Software and Device Control

DSP is in charge of providing a transport-agnostic framework for front-end and device server implementations used for real-time accelerator controls, supporting the main CSS programming languages (C++, Java and Python).

DSP is responsible for the standard software environment used to develop real-time front-end control applications for accelerator equipment. This includes frameworks, development tools, introspection facilities and CERN-wide training. DSP also provides software infrastructure to integrate industrial and low-level controllers into the BE-CSS control system.

DSP develops and maintains generic real-time control software for analogue and digital I/O based on standard BE-CEM hardware modules.

Communication, Acquisition and Processing

DSP is in charge of providing core communication and data processing services enabling reliable interaction between the different layers of the control system. This includes middleware with role-based access control, data processing platforms for end users, and application-specific processing systems supporting accelerator operation, diagnostics and analysis, together with their programming interfaces and user tools.

DSP contributes to signal acquisition and visualisation solutions used to interface with digitisers and oscilloscopes, providing common control and acquisition software in collaboration with other BE teams.

Settings Management and Automation

DSP is in charge of systems used to manage operational settings of the CERN accelerators and experimental areas, handling very large and complex settings structures covering parameters of more than 100,000 devices, with a complete historical record enabling traceability and coherent restoration of accelerator states.

DSP provides software to automate complex and repetitive operational procedures, allowing accelerator operation to be carried out in a reliable, reproducible and efficient manner.

Timing and Synchronisation

DSP is in charge of the CERN Accelerator Timing software systems, which provide precise and deterministic synchronisation across the accelerator complex. These systems coordinate time-aligned equipment behaviour and beam-related events, enabling synchronised operation and beam transfers from the sources to multiple destinations, including the LHC.

Through best-effort operational support and continuous engagement with its stakeholders, DSP ensures that its systems evolve in line with operational needs, emerging requirements and the long-term sustainability of the CERN accelerator complex.