Cavity Simulator for European Spallation Source

TL;DR

This paper presents a Cavity Simulator for the European Spallation Source that accurately reproduces superconducting cavity behavior for system testing, reducing risks and enabling real-time feedback loop testing.

Contribution

It introduces a novel FPGA-based Cavity Simulator that models superconducting cavities and RF components, facilitating safer and more efficient testing of LLRF control systems.

Findings

Successfully simulates cavity behavior in real time

Generates RF signals for system testing outside the accelerator

Optimized firmware minimizes processing time

Abstract

European Spallation Source will be the brightest neutron source in the world. It is being built in Lund, Sweden. Over 120 superconducting cavities will be installed in the facility, each regulated by an individual LLRF control system. To reduce the risk associated with testing the systems on real cavities a Cavity Simulator was designed. It reproduces the behaviour of superconducting cavities used in the medium and high beta sections of ESS's Linac. The high power RF amplifier and piezo actuators parameters are also simulated. Based on the RF drive and piezo control signals the Cavity Simulator generates the RF signals acquired by the inputs of the LLRF control system. This is used to close the LLRF feedback loop in real time. The RF front end of the Cavity Simulator consists of vector modulators, down-converting circuits, and a set of fast data converters. The cavity response simulation is performed in a high speed FPGA logic by a dedicated firmware, that was optimized to minimize the processing time. The device also generates clock, LO, and the 704.42 MHz reference signals to allow for system tests outside of the accelerator environment. In this paper the design of the Cavity Simulator, description of the algorithms used in its firmware, and measurement results of the device are presented.