Experimental Physics and
Industrial Control System

Abstract

We have developed an Erlang language implementation of the Channel Access protocol.  Included are low-level functions for encoding and decoding Channel Access protocol network packets as well as higher level functions for monitoring or setting EPICS process variables.  This provides access to EPICS process variables for the Fermilab Acnet control system via our Erlang-based front-end architecture without having to interface to C/C++ programs and libraries.  Erlang is a functional programming language originally developed for real-time telecommunications applications.  Its network programming features and list management functions make it particularly well-suited for the task of managing multiple Channel Access circuits and PV monitors.