TALON-DX Updates to Support Mid.CBF Integration and Test

• Simplified startup sequence and software allowing control of the Monitoring and Control Software (MCS) is designed and implemented.
•  Network configuration for consistent and robust interfacing between Tango device servers running on the Talon, and device servers running in the K8s cluster on the control server/cluster is reviewed and updated.
• Talon Boards have time synchronisation.
• Board support is extended or enhanced, including temperature monitoring and fan control. 
• The documentation and configuration management of the SD card image containing the custom Linux kernel is enhanced to ensure consistent configuration across multiple Talon boards.

• Enhanced the documentation for the consistent generation of SD cards using the custom Linux kernel, from which the Talon DX HPS (hard processor system) processor boots.
• Updated the documentation and created scripts for the consistent set up of board specific parameters (e.g., IP address).
• Implemented time synchronisation – the Talon DX is synchronized to the control server using NTP (network time protocol).
• Extended board support:
  • Talon HW status including clock frequencies and PLL (phase-locked loop) status;
  • EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) writing and reading; and
  • Temperature monitoring and fan control.

Ref: OMC ART System Demo 15.5

Not completed:

• The configuration management of the Linux custom kernel (source code and build configuration, and resulting Linux image file (WIC file) – some progress made, but not complete – ref: CIP-1019 and CIP-1020.
• Simplified startup sequence and software.
• Review and update of the network configuration for consistent and robust interfacing between Tango device servers running on the Talon, and device servers running in the K8s cluster on the control server/cluster.