An automation system for experiments with a neutron powder diffractometer

The modernization of the detector system and control system of the neutron powder diffractometer (NPD) in the GEK-5 channel of the VVR-c reactor (Obninsk Branch, Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry) is described. The PC-connected hardware and software complex, which ensures data acquisition and storage and control of the experiments, is created. The main modules of the NPD automation system and Sonix+ control software package, designed at the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics at JINR, are briefly described. The modernization has made it possible to increase the luminosity of the diffractometer and completely automatize the measurement process.