Generating Epics Ioc Databases from a Relational Database – a Different Approach

The EPICS based control system of the ISAC radioactive beam facility uses the CapFast schematic editor to construct the IOC function-block databases. This allows a self-documenting graphical representation of the IOC software using a hierarchical, object-like software structure with reusable components. On the other hand, the control system is quarterbacked by a relational database, which contains all device information. Using database reports and Perl scripts, a device instantiation method was developed which generates top-level schematic files in CapFast format. This method exploits the advantages of device data entry and reporting using a relational database system while maintaining the graphical representation of the IOC database.