Minimum Requirements Document

PXI Timing, Synchronization, and Data Acquisition System

Document Date: 10 July 2026

Background & Scope: The requiring activity within the Sensors Directorate of the Air Force

Research Laboratory (AFRL/RFMM) 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/RFMM requires the procurement and delivery of a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) PXI Timing, Synchronization, and Data Acquisition System.

This acquisition will deliver a modular, PXI-based instrumentation platform designed to support high-fidelity timing, synchronization, multi-channel data acquisition, and automated laboratory control. The system must 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 must conform to the following minimum technical specifications:

1) Modular Instrumentation Platform:

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

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

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

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

2) Timing and Synchronization Capability:

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

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

• Must support external timing reference inputs and outputs.

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

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

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

• Must support synchronization to external GPS-based timing references or equivalent precision timing sources.

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

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

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

4) System Architecture & Performance:

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

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

• Must provide reliable operation during continuous laboratory use.

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

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

5) Connectivity & Remote Operation:

• Must support remote connection to host computers through high-speed communication interfaces.

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

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

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

6) Software & Data Integration:

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

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

• Must provide application programming interfaces (APIs), software development kits

(SDKs), or equivalent tools for automation and custom application development.

• Must support automated test execution and data collection workflows.

• Must support secure operation within government information technology environments.

7) System Integration & Compatibility:

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

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

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

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

8) Usability & Operation:

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

• Must support automated synchronization and timing distribution functions.

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

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