Nuclear system test simulator

Abstract

A portable, microprocessor-based test instrument for the calibration, check testing, and checkout of nuclear power reactor systems under simulated operating conditions. The instrument includes a master microprocessor bus having direct communication to interchangeable plug-in printed circuit boards. Applications to which the invention may be put include rod control simulation and analysis, neutron monitoring system analysis, and rod block monitoring system simulation and analysis. The test instrument electronically interconnects at any of a plurality of points within a reactor control and monitoring system. The electrical network from the point of interconnection to the core rods is disabled and the test instrument, receives serial control command signals as would the disabled portion of the network. The test instrument also generates appropriate acknowledgements and response signals. Alternatively, a test instrument can generate faulty response signals to simulate improper command responses.