Scalable, Variable-speed Time-Sensitive Ethernet

Time critical data requires low latency and deterministic transfer. Sensor, command and control data of mission-critical, high-reliability, real-time applications such as collision avoidance, avionics require on-time delivery. Flight control system, images from a camera of an autonomous system require real-time and must be communicated deterministically for the system to function correctly. Autonomous systems such as unmanned ground, sea, air, space vehicles, robots, etc. and industrial automation control systems, all have requirements for deterministic network. Ethernet is ubiquitous. It’s being used everywhere from small devices to high performance computing system. Its large ecosystem provides key advantages such as low cost and high availability. However, data transferred via Ethernet is “best-effort” and may be buffered - causing significant jitter and non-deterministic in delivery timing. Packets across Ethernet may be dropped by switch, routers - delivery is not guaranteed. Solutions are required to overcome these problems. 2 standards have been defined by the industry for time-critical applications: Time-triggered Ethernet (TTE) and Time-Sensitive Network (TSN). Previously, LeWiz developed TTE IP core, FPGA and software for use in endpoint and switching nodes. This proposal further extends the technology to include TSN, which has a very large commercial potential. NASA also has specific requests for TSN in its SBIR Topic including processor clustering, fault tolerant, compatible with heterogeneous networks, support low-cost devices. The proposed core would support these requirements. In Phase 1, LeWiz will enhance its existing TTE core to support TSN, compliant to IEEE standards for use in either endpoint or switching systems, scalable from 1 to 10/100Gbps and still maintain extreme timing accuracy. Thus, network products designed with this technology can be more versatile. This core provides many advantages and can also be used for switching or SoC ASIC

Space vehicles, satellites, Lunar gateway, space telescopes, aircraft, drones, rovers, robots, autonomous systems

hypersonic vehicles, space systems, satellites, aircrafts, drones, weapons, ground/sea vehicles, automobile, industrial control

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.