Robust Control System Software for the TEDI (Triplespec Exoplanet Discovery Instrument)
Abstract
Earth sized exoplanets, particularly in the habitable zone, are extremely important to our understanding of stellar system evolution and our own place in the universe. The TEDI (Triplespec Exoplanet Discovery Instrument) is a precision near infrared interferometric spectrometer used to measure stellar radial velocities. The control system for an instrument with precision on order meters per second radial velocities can be very complicated. While performing undergraduate research I worked to develop the control system for the TEDI. Using LabVIEW over 20 devices, via serial and USB communication, were integrated to work in conjunction with one another. With various devices including an ADC, a camera, picomotors, a piezo, temperature sensors, etc., the TEDI is equipped with an automated observation sequence, error messaging, sensor monitors, a PID controller, and data logging capabilities. If needed the TEDI control software also allows the observing scientist to manually turn power supplies to every instrument on and off, or move each of the individual devices on the instrument. The control system for the TEDI is now fully operational and installed at the Palomar observatory, currently being used in preliminary exoplanet searches. It has been a great success, being user friendly yet containing a large number of robust features.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #213
- Pub Date:
- January 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AAS...21340215M