Minimum Requirements Document (MRD) 20261007.pdf

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT

Title: PXIe Timing, Synchronization, and Data Acquisition System

Document Date: 7 October 2026

Background & Scope: The requiring activity within the Sensors Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RFLM) conducts advanced research and development involving photonics, optical sensing, electromagnetic systems, timing synchronization, signal processing, and laboratory instrumentation in support of United States Air Force mission objectives. These research efforts require precise timing, synchronization, control, and acquisition of data from a variety of laboratory systems and experimental testbeds.

Existing laboratory timing and synchronization capabilities require modernization to support increasingly complex research activities involving distributed instrumentation, high-speed data acquisition, precision timing references, and automated test environments. Current equipment lacks the capability to efficiently integrate multiple instruments while maintaining precise timing synchronization, resulting in reduced operational efficiency and increased complexity during experimentation and analysis.

Requirements/Salient Characteristics: AFRL/RFLM requires the procurement and delivery of a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) PXIe Timing, Synchronization, and Data Acquisition System. This acquisition will deliver a modular, PXIe-based instrumentation platform designed to support high-fidelity timing, synchronization, multi-channel data acquisition, and automated laboratory control. The system shall feature a scalable architecture to facilitate future expansion, seamless integration with legacy laboratory instrumentation, and interoperability across diverse research and development environments. Implementing this system will optimize measurement precision, enable automated test execution, enhance data-capture capabilities, and directly support mission-critical research objectives. The proposed system shall conform to the following minimum technical specifications:

1) Modular Instrumentation Platform:

• Shall provide a modular instrumentation chassis architecture suitable for laboratory and research applications.

• Shall support installation and operation of multiple instrumentation modules within a single integrated platform.

• Shall provide sufficient expansion capability to support future instrumentation requirements.

• Shall support high-bandwidth communication between installed modules and host control systems.

• Shall support government furnished PXIe-5186 modules at full bandwidth (12.5GSa/s).

• Shall provide enough slots to support PXIe-5186 module, GPS synchronization module, remote control module, and four slots for future expansion.

• Shall provide faceplate covers for unused slots.

2) Timing and Synchronization Capability:

• Shall provide precision timing and synchronization functionality for laboratory instrumentation and test systems.

• Shall support synchronization of multiple instruments and measurement devices within a common timing framework.

• Shall support external timing reference inputs and outputs.

• Shall provide accurate time-stamping capabilities for measurement and data acquisition applications.

• Shall support industry-standard timing and synchronization protocols utilized in research and development environments.

3) Global Positioning System (GPS) and Time Reference Support:

• Shall support synchronization to external GPS-based timing references, specifically IRIGB, or equivalent precision timing sources.

• Shall provide the capability to maintain accurate system timing for laboratory measurements and test activities.

• Shall support generation and distribution of synchronized timing signals to connected instrumentation.

• Shall provide stable timing performance suitable for precision laboratory experimentation.

4) System Architecture & Performance:

• Shall consist of two independent chassis.

• Shall provide a high-performance instrumentation backplane capable of supporting data-intensive applications.

• Shall support low-latency communication between installed modules and connected host systems.

• Shall provide reliable operation during continuous laboratory use.

• Shall support precise synchronization between instrumentation resources installed within the chassis.

• Shall maintain timing accuracy and measurement consistency during extended operational periods.

5) Connectivity & Remote Operation:

• Shall support remote connection to host computers through high-speed communication interfaces, namely Thunderbolt 3.

• Shall provide sufficient data transfer bandwidth to support laboratory measurement and control applications.

• Shall support integration with desktop or workstation-class computer systems.

• Shall support plug-and-play connectivity to minimize installation and configuration requirements.

6) Software & Data Integration:

• Shall include software and drivers necessary for system configuration, operation, monitoring, and diagnostics.

• Shall support integration with commonly used engineering, scientific, and laboratory software environments.

• Shall provide application programming interfaces (APIs), software development kits (SDKs), or equivalent tools for automation and custom application development.

• Shall support automated test execution and data collection workflows.

• Shall support secure operation within government information technology environments.

7) System Integration & Compatibility:

• Shall be compatible with existing laboratory instrumentation and experimental test setups.

• Shall support integration with data acquisition, signal generation, measurement, and control systems.

• Shall provide standard timing, trigger, and synchronization interfaces commonly used within laboratory environments.

• Shall minimize modifications required to existing laboratory configurations and workflows.

8) Usability & Operation:

• Shall provide user-friendly configuration and management tools suitable for engineers, scientists, and technical personnel.

• Shall support automated synchronization and timing distribution functions.

• Shall include documentation sufficient for installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

• Shall support efficient deployment and operation within research laboratory environments.

• Shall include manufacturer warranty and support.