When thousands of devices power the world’s largest experiments, even a single failure can ripple across the system. At CERN, the smooth operation of accelerators and experiments relies on the control infrastructure, which comprises thousands of technical devices working in unison. These include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which run industrial control logic, power supplies that feed magnets and detectors, and front-end modules that manage communication between equipment and higher-level systems.

Large technical systems such as cooling plants, ventilation systems, and safety installations must operate continuously around the clock. These systems rely on programmable logic controllers (PLCs), specialized industrial computers built to execute precise instructions reliably for years without interruption. Designed with safety and stability in mind, PLCs form the backbone of industrial automation. They manage essential functions, such as circulating cooling water for accelerators, adjusting ventilation fans to maintain safe conditions in underground tunnels, and activating interlocks to shut down equipment immediately if unsafe conditions are detected.