FPGA-based implementation of a cavity field controller for FLASH and X-FEL

The subject of this paper is the design and construction of a new generation of superconducting cavity accelerator measurement and control system. The old system is based on a single digital signal processor (DSP). The new system uses a large programmable array circuit (FPGA) instead, with a multi-gigabit optical link. Both systems now work in parallel in the Free Electron Laser in Hamburg (FLASH). The differences between the systems are shown, based on the measurement results of the working machine. The major advantage of the new system is a bigger area of stability of the machine control loop.