#United States #Fort Worth #ACS #NI Connect #Ed Sekel

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of aerospace engineering, ensuring accurate time synchronization across multiple avionics buses has emerged as a paramount challenge. As demands grow for precision in testing environments, especially under the constraints of modern aerospace applications, innovative approaches are necessary to ensure system integrity and reliability.

The Challenge of Time Synchronization

Ed Sekel, a seasoned Senior Software Development Engineer at ACS, will deliver a significant presentation on multi-bus avionics time synchronization at the upcoming NI Connect 2026 conference. This event, set in Fort Worth, Texas, is pivotal for professionals looking to stay ahead in aerospace technology.

Sekel's session, titled "The Gold Standard: Achieving Nanosecond Alignment Across Disparate Avionics Busses," will highlight how timing issues are not merely technical details but critical determinants of the functionality and safety of avionics systems. Misalignment can lead to unforeseen anomalies that often only manifest during post-processing or regulatory compliance reviews, posing serious risks in system validations.

Presentation Overview

During his session, Sekel will outline a pragmatic framework for engineers tasked with designing and implementing synchronization topologies tailored to specific test environments. His approach consists of three distinct architectures intended to enable nanosecond-level alignment:
1. Direct IRIG-B Integration - This method emphasizes synchronized operations with a facility's master clock, ensuring steady time reference standards.
2. Autonomous PXI Mastering - Ideal for isolated environments where external references are unavailable, this technique emphasizes stability and reliability in time sourcing.
3. Hybrid PTP Solutions - This innovative system combines the IEEE-1588v2 protocol with IRIG-B converters, catering to distributed, multi-node settings where synchronization across various systems is essential.

Real-World Applications and Case Studies

To enhance practical understanding, the presentation will also include a compelling case study that uses NI-XNET and ARINC-825 technology. This case study will illustrate how hardware-timed frames can ensure deterministic performance for mission-critical applications.

"It's uncommon for an avionics test system to utilize a singular protocol today," Sekel remarks. "Aircraft systems are typically managing four to five buses simultaneously, each with distinct timing references. The architecture of synchronization isn't a luxury; it is essential for confidence in the data we're collecting across all systems."

Why Attend?

Attending Sekel's presentation will enable engineers and professionals in the aerospace sector to grasp the intricacies of synchronization architectures and their critical role in achieving successful test outcomes. With over 25 years of experience in architecting sophisticated LabVIEW-based test systems, Sekel's expertise will provide invaluable insights into the issues at hand.

Furthermore, ACS stands out as a technical leader in the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries, exemplified by its NI Gold Partner status. The company is recognized for its commitment to developing innovative systems that enhance operational efficiencies for global clients.

Conclusion

As aerospace technology continues to advance, the significance of effective time synchronization strategies becomes increasingly evident. Engineers are encouraged to seize the opportunity at NI Connect 2026 to improve their practices and contribute to safer, more reliable flight systems. Sekel's session promises to be enlightening, paving the way for better synchronization frameworks in aerospace testing environments.

For those interested in attending, the session will take place on Wednesday, May 13, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Fort Worth Convention Center. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for anyone engaged in avionics system development and testing.