ENGIN-X: Provide support for Ambrell Induction Furnace PSU

[davidkeymer]

Feature Description

As a scientist working on ENGIN-X, I would like to be able to read diagnostic information from a new induction furnace power supply unit (PSU).

Explanation

This PSU will be controlled by a Eurotherm, much like any other heater PSU, and so temperature information will be sent and received in the usual way. This ticket is to add EPICS support for the PSU so that diagnostic information can be read remotely. This is especially important as this new device will be used in a new technique.

Additional Information

• This is an "Ambrell Induction Heating Solutions, EasyHeat (or EkoHeat?)" induction furnace power supply
• Communications manual in usual network shared directory
• A readonly device (TBC)
• Several commands will need to be implemented. Possibly fewer if suitable overall status information is contained within single replies. i.e. using commands RDATA, HST and STAT should cover most, if not all, available data.
• A custom cable will need to be created to interface the PSU to a MOXA NPort. The PSU has an RJ45 socket for remote communications via RS485. Full pinout information is given in the above manual.
• SE Electronics Group are responsible for connecting and testing the hardware for electrical safety and RF compliance.

_{See our Git Workflow.}

Acceptance Criteria

• An IOC and OPI exist for the induction furnace
• Suitable diagnostic information can be read and displayed according to IS requirements.

_{To the reviewer: Make sure to update submodules!}

Planning

planning 00:55 2025/03/06
planning 06:16 2025/04/02

[davidkeymer]

The SDTEST IOC could be used in the short-term should the PSU be required before full IBEX support is added.

[Tom-Willemsen]

@davidkeymer to find out the status of the thing first and go with that

[davidkeymer]

24/04/2025
Have checked with IS and PSU is still with SE Electronics group while their perform their checks (design group are happy with the method of mounting the sample).
If the device is released for testing on the beamline during this cycle, then as suggested, SDTEST IOC could be used in the short term if a full IOC isn't complete by then.

[davidkeymer]

NB: to date, this has not been tested with hardware and therefore it is expected that many changes to this code will be required, especially as the manual is unclear on several points.

Pull Requests:

EPICS TOP
IOC
SUPPORT
GUI
Developers' Manual
Release Notes