High performance networks for control and data acquisition in modern fusion

In the quest for zero-carbon energy solutions, nuclear fusion research stands out for its remarkable potential and innovative approach. Globally, numerous experiments are dedicated to exploring various aspects of this promising technology, resulting in key breakthroughs that pave the way for developing a fully operational nuclear fusion reactor. Among these initiatives, ITER, the largest nuclear fusion experiment currently under construction in France, aims to become the first to generate power from fusion reactions. Due to the complexity of the project, different ITER components have been assigned to various countries, fostering global collaboration and accelerating progress through shared expertise. This thesis focuses on one critical part of ITER, the Neutral Beam Injector (NBI). To build and test the NBI, the Neutral Beam Test Facility (NBTF) has been established in Padova, Italy, to meet the stringent plasma heating requirements for the experiment. Although it represents just one component of the broader ITER project, the NBTF presents significant challenges that demand close collaboration between researchers and technicians to achieve its goals. My work concentrates on the NBTF control system, specifically emphasizing the synchronization of its experiments. Accurate investigation of plasma behavior in nuclear fusion experiments requires extremely fast data acquisition systems, synchronized within tens of nanoseconds. This level of precision is essential for capturing every detail of the processes inside the experimental chamber, ensuring comprehensive analysis of fusion reactions. In this context, my work explores the network that enables such precise synchronization, the control systems used at NBTF, and the strategies I developed to integrate this synchronization with the acquisition frameworks.