Scientific Computing, Communication and Artificial Intelligence (SCA) Group

PARAM RUDRA SUPER COMPUTING FACILITY AT IUAC

Operating system & server management

The SCA Group is responsible for managing all aspects of Operating System and Software Management at IUAC. This includes addressing issues related to the installation, configuration, and maintenance of operating systems and software across the organization. The group ensures that all necessary software, including antivirus programs, MS Office, Windows, and other essential applications, are up to date and functioning properly. In cases where new software licenses are required, the SCA Group handles the procurement and installation of the necessary licenses, ensuring compliance with legal and operational requirements. Their proactive approach ensures the smooth functioning of all software tools, supporting the efficiency and productivity of the organization.

The SCA Group also manages the following servers-

a. GATE

The GATE server was installed to serve multiple needs. The server is configured as a learning management system (LMS) for creating and publishing open online courses using the open-source package known as Moodle. The server also has the ‘IUAC FORMS’ package, which is an indigenously designed, developed, and maintained package for hosting and managing various kinds of online forms. It is also hosting the recruitment package of IUAC.

b. IDP

Inflibnet, Gandhinagar, configured the server to act as a Shibboleth Identity Provider for IUAC employees who need to access research articles from outside the IUAC network. The Library and Computer group jointly maintain the IDP server.

c. CST

The CST Microwave Studio licensing server is being hosted by the IUAC computer group. The server provides licenses to clients using CST Studio within the IUAC network.

d. SOUL

The server was installed to cater to the needs of IUAC Library for library management. The server was installed with the support of Inflibnet, Gandhinagar, and is now hosted on the IUAC server. The book entry and record keeping are done by the library.

e. LTSP

LTSP, which stands for Linux Terminal Server Project, was set up to netboot thin clients. The server is running an open-source Linux distribution and caters to the administration for their computing needs.

Storage Server

The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), being a research-oriented organization, generates large amounts of data through scientific experiments and ongoing lab projects. To support this, IUAC has implemented a storage system that is highly secure, redundant, and supports various storage protocols such as FTP, SMB, NFS, ensuring efficient and reliable data management.

Local Area Network and Internet Services

The LAN and internet services are being managed through several wired core switches, wired edge switches, wireless POE switches and controllers and wireless access points. The primary internet services are provided by National Knowledge Network (NKN) with 1:1 connection of bandwidth 1 Gbps. For redundancy purposes, the secondary link of bandwidth 100 Mbps is being provided by Ishan vendor. To ensure no single point of failure we have two firewalls running in HA mode. To manage the traffic aggregation of wired networks spread across 9 buildings we have core switch having 10Gbps of throughput per port and 23 no. of edge switches. To manage the vast wireless network infra we have 66 access points across the Centre and network security is enriched with AAA and RADIUS features.

WEBSITE MANAGEMENT

a. Enterprise Resource Planning

The ERP system is an in-house developed and maintained solution by the group, designed to integrate multiple administrative functions such as Personnel, Finance and Accounts, Stores and Purchase, and Estate management into a unified platform. This project aims to promote a paperless office environment by streamlining and automating processes across departments.

b. Human Resource Management System

Human Resource Management System (HRMS) is also being developed in-house. This system is designed to streamline and automate various HR processes, enhancing operational efficiency. Currently, the Leave Management module is live and fully functional, allowing for seamless tracking and approval of employee leave requests. Additionally, we are enhancing the system with features such as Note and File Management, which will facilitate digital documentation and internal communication, further reducing the need for paper-based processes. As the HRMS evolves, it will serve as a comprehensive, paperless solution for all HR-related tasks, driving efficiency and supporting a more sustainable, digital workplace.

c. IUAC Website

The SCA Group is responsible for managing the IUAC Website and its content, ensuring that it remains up-to-date and aligned with the organization's objectives. The group handles the creation and maintenance of various web pages as needed, including event pages, uploading tender documents, workshop notices, and other important updates. The group is dedicated to keeping the website informative and accessible, providing a seamless online experience for employees and visitors.

Experimental Physics & Industrial Control System (EPICS)

The group is also involved in developing control system for FEL lab using EPICS. Key features include real-time monitoring of experimental parameters, dynamic visualization of data and intuitive control of experimental setups. The GUI of the control system is designed to enhance the efficiency of laboratory operations, providing researchers with a powerful tool to conduct experiments with greater ease and precision.

Schematic Diagram:

IUAC AI/ML Lab activities: Edge AI, Tiny ML & AI (Super Computing) (EPICS)

The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, a premier national accelerator laboratory established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, is committed to advancing research at the intersection of accelerator science and cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). With the growing impact of AI and ML in various fields of Science and Engineering, the IUAC AI/ML Lab aims to explore and harness the potential of these technologies in the realm of particle accelerators, an area that remains relatively unexplored. The lab seeks to motivate and engage young scientists, engineers, researchers and Ph.D. students to delve into the applications of IoT & AI and ML in the fields of Edge AI, Tiny ML, RNN/LSTM based time series sensor forecasting, anomaly detection, accelerator control, maintenance, safety, devices and optimization. AI and ML have revolutionized data analysis, predictive maintenance, and optimization techniques across industries, and their integration into accelerator science is poised to bring transformative advancements. The lab focuses on applying AI and ML to solve complex science and engineering problems by leveraging High-Performance Computing (HPC) with GPU capabilities for enhanced computational solutions. With the goal of fostering innovation, the lab also provides a platform for collaborative research, training, and knowledge exchange on the future directions and developments in AI and ML for accelerator technologies.

Integrated IP Communication System

The system supports both traditional and modern IP-based solutions, ensuring robust communication for all staff members.

Audio Video Management

The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) campus is equipped with advanced audio and video systems to support a variety of academic and cultural events. The main auditorium complex includes a 300+ seater auditorium, a 50+ seater seminar hall, two green rooms, and a two-level lobby. Additionally, the main laboratory building features a 40-seat Ph.D. classroom, a 90+ seater seminar hall, a council room, a committee room, and a lobby area.

These facilities are equipped with a range of audio, video, and associated electronic, electrical, and mechanical systems to support courses, workshops, conferences, and seminars.

The group manages the request for Audio Video technical support needed by the internal Staff members for various workshops/events held at above locations.

We also have a provision for outside interested parties to book the IUAC Auditorium. (The form is available on the IUAC website.

Academic and Administrative Computing

The group manages several central servers, LTS terminals, PCs, Printers and work stations for administrative computing.

Apart from this, the group also manages design, development and maintenance activities for AUC modules, Recruitment Portal and IRDC Website.