NB686070_PWS.pdf

OPTICAL TIME-FREQUENCY NETWORK SUPPORT

PWS NB686070-19-00951

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Fiber Sources and Applications Group (68607), NIST-Boulder, develops novel methods of optical time and frequency transfer. Recently, this group has developed frequency comb-based optical two-way time-frequency transfer (O-TWTFT) that can allow frequency comparisons and time synchronization across a distributed network of clocks.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

A. OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE

In order to make precision timing measurements, the O-TWTFT system requires an advanced algorithms and real-time processing compatible with the low phase noise frequency combs used to transmit the timing signals.

The objective of this SOW is to advanced the system design, algorithms, the real-time digital signal processing and finally to participate in the field tests of the modified system to evaluate its performance.

B. GENERAL:

The Contractor shall provide all support for project oversight, administration and technical execution of this task order. The contract position provides research and technical assistance utilizing government furnished laboratory equipment and facilities in the NIST Applied Physics Division.

C. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall complete the following tasks:

Task 1: Algorithm and signal processing development for multi-node clock networks The NIST O-TWTFT hardware has been expanded to support operation of a multi-node network.

However, the firmware and algorithms do not fully support operation at the networks full capacity.

The contractor will develop and implement algorithms necessary in VHDL/Verilog code for the FPGA or C++ for the DSP in the current O-TWTFT realtime signal processor. The contractor will participate in one field test of duration one month as well as the analysis of the results of that test.

This task is expected to have three primary subtasks, each with deliverables as noted in Section VI below. The three primary substasks are:

1.1 Firmware for realtime processing of signals for multi-node network The firmware on the existing NIST real-time processor will require updates to operate as a multi-node network.

1.2 Field test of new firmware implementation

An approximate one-month field test will be required to test out the network operation. It is expected the contractor will be on site for this field test.

1.3 Analysis of results of field test including development of necessary software tools The contractor will assist in the analysis of the field tests to evaluate the performance of the network.

Task 2:Photon-efficient advanced protocol implementation and support Operation of the O-TWTFT system in a photon-efficient manner has been conducted over a multi-node network using an ad hoc approach. The contractor will work with NIST to advance current algorithms to fully support this mode of operation and implement these algorithms on the current O- TWTFT realtime signal processor. This task will include consideration of options such as low update rates, phase-stabilized combs, or even incoherent light scattering from a rough surface. This process will involve the contractor participating in at least one field test of the system of duration one month and a second revision of the firmware based on the results of this test.

2.1 Firmware to support photon-efficient operation

The contractor will make the necessary modifications to the existing firmware to operate in a photon-efficient manner.

2.2 Field test of new firmware implementation

An approximate one-month field test will be required to test out the operation. It is expected the contractor will be on site for this field test. A portion of this field test might overlap with the field test of Task 1.2.

2.3 Analysis of results of field test including development of software tools

2.4 Second revision of firmware based on results of field test

D. For code developed under Tasks 1 and 2, the following specifications will be met:

1. All code must be covered with unit tests to at least 95% to verify functionality and to guard against regressions from future refactoring, extension, and/or bug fixes.

2. All code must be supplemented by software test benches that enable simulation and unit testing without the need for hardware. Testing code may be written in Matlab or Python. .

3. All code must be documented by appropriate comments and naming conventions (in addition to task 2 above.)

4. Proprietary or closed-source software, including FPGA IP cores, must not be used unless the contractor has previously verified NIST already owns such IP cores.

5. All project software being developed must be maintained in a suitable repository (e.g. GitHub) to allow government to monitor development progress and provide rapid feedback when changes are needed.

6. Code must be organized to be reviewed by the government on a regular basis, as specified in the deliverable table below. The results of the reviews are to be integrated in successive development steps.

7. This code must be compatible with the existing firmware and custom NIST real-time processor for optical two-way time transfer.

8. All project software being developed must be maintained in a suitable repository (e.g. GitHub) to allow government to monitor development progress and provide rapid feedback when changes are needed.

9. The documentation will include a description of the basic algorithms and their implementation in the DSP or FPGA. The documentation will also include a basic mathematical description of the algorithm appropriate for publication in a scientific journal.

The code will be implemented on the custom NIST real-time processor shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 1: Existing real time digital signal processor hardware.

III. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be 12 months.

IV. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The development work will be completed at the contractor’s facility. All testing and meeting will be conducted at the NIST, Boulder, CO campus, specifically Bldg. 1 (i.e., the Radio bldg.) and Bldg. 81 (i.e., the precision measurement’s lab). The contractor will be expected to be at NIST for 1-week monthly (or 2-weeks bimonthly) during active periods of development for a minimum of 8 weeks total on site. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) may direct the flow of technical matters while on location.

V. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

All property, data and information provided by the Government in the performance of this task remains the property of the Government and shall be surrendered to the government upon completion or termination of this requirement. Likewise, all deliverables generated under this requirement remain the property of the Government.

The Government will also furnish the Contractor with a desk, chair, computer and a telephone while on site at Boulder NIST campus.

VI. DELIVERABLES

The period of performance extends for 12 months.

Task Number/

Reference Description Format Quantity

Due Date (after start of contract)

1.1 Firmware for realtime processing of signals

for multi-node network

Code deposited to

GitHub repository

1 Month 3

1.2 Field test of new firmware implementation Site visit 1 Month 6

1.3 Analysis of results of field test including

development of necessary software tools

MS Word or Adobe PDF document

1 Month 9

2.1 Firmware to support photon-efficient

operation

Code deposited to

GitHub repository

1 Month 4

2.2 Field test of new firmware implementation Site visit 1 Month 6

2.3 Analysis of results of field test including

development of software tools

MS Word or Adobe PDF document

1 Month 10

2.4 Second revision of firmware based on results

of field test

MS Word or Adobe PDF document & updated Code deposited to GitHub repository

1 Month 12

1-2 Participate in weekly progress meeting with NIST staff either on-site or via NIST approved teleconference (e.g. Blue Jeans).

Hourly progress meeting

48 Weekly

VII. STANDARDS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF DELIVERABLES:

The NIST Task Order Contact, will provide comments on each deliverable within 21 calendar days from receipt of a given deliverable. The contractor shall make any needed changes to the reports within 21 calendar days from receipt of electronic or written comments from the NIST Task Order Contact. The NIST Task Order Contact will provide written notification when a deliverable is accepted.

VIII. TRAVEL

As noted in Section IV, the contractor is expected to travel to NIST at for two field tests of approximately one month duration each. In addition, the contractor is expected to make at least 3 other shorter visits of one week or less to meet with NIST personnel either in Boulder CO or at another meeting location.

IX. CONTRACTOR’S MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Contractor will serve as Key Personnel position “Algorithm and Signal Processing Lead” on the project.

• Must have a PhD in physics or electrical engineering

• Must have over 7 years experience in engineering embedded systems hardware and firmware, digital signal processing.

• Must have expertise in multiple areas of signal processing including communications, frequency/time generation and transfer, analog and digital electronic design, as demonstrated by past work experience.

• Must have expertise in VHDL, Verilog, C, C++, Python, Matlab

• Must have demonstrated substantial experience with and successful prior independent implementation of:

o Electro-optic systems with femtosecond timing jitter, such as fiber laser frequency combs or other related technologies.

o Complete embedded system development including development of system requirements, hardware design, build, testing, and code development. Systems should include use of FPGA, DSP, Ethernet, serial peripherals, o Development of embedded digital electronics products for basic science research

• Must have specific expertise in the NIST firmware and software used in the real time digital signal processors of the NIST OTWTFT system. This expertise includes demonstrated experience making modifications to the NIST firmware and software.

• Must have experience working closely with physical scientists as end customers. References must be provided from previous basic science collaboration work, attesting to the qualification of the contractor for a project of this nature and the ability to communicate with physical scientists.