DCPS will protect NSTX-U during a plasma attempt, or
pulse, by running a collection of algorithms [12], [13] against
the plasma current and the 16 magnetic coil currents every
200 μs. A fault occurs if the result of any algorithm exceeds
a preprogrammed minimum and maximum limit. A fault also
occurs if the system determines that a fault could occur before
the next time cycle given a worst case projection. Finally, a
fault occurs if a disruption before the next time cycle would
cause any algorithm to exceed its limit value.
Between plasma attempts, the DCPS must monitor all of
the currents in the system and ensure that they remain at zero.
Any current in the system prior to the start of the next plasma attempt will similarly result in a fault that prevents the pulse
from occurring