TTTECH has been providing a PC-based tool suite to configure entire Deterministic Ethernet networks as well as all network devices (switches and end systems) for more than 20 years. It currently supports use cases in the aviation, space, automotive, and energy sectors. The tool suite has evolved over the years to support new operating systems and the latest devices in TTTECH’s product portfolio, as well as to add new functionalities. The latest release 5.10 (November 2025) will provide switch-sourced synchronization (S3), support for a new smart software-based end system, and a new alternative message scheduler.
TTETools is a mature tool suite designed to streamline data network management and configuration processes. It supports TTEthernet® and AFDX®. TTEthernet is an open standards-based, commercial product implementation of Deterministic Ethernet, enabling three traffic classes for data transfer (IEEE 802.3, ARINC 664 part 7, and SAE AS680).
Previous releases have introduced novel functions to address large networks, simplifying system composition, and reducing integration and testing costs. Its two main functionalities are:
- Modular Networks are a collection of independent modules (subnetworks) connected via a central backbone. With TTETools, each module can be developed, scheduled, and tested largely independently, with defined interfaces to the backbone ensuring seamless integration. This approach supports multi-supplier projects and long-term scalability, as new modules can be integrated without major redesigns of the core network. Modular Scheduling thus empowers organizations to build flexible, future-proof networks that can evolve with changing requirements.
- Incremental Scheduling allows users to update or expand a TTEthernet network schedule without having to recalculate the entire schedule from scratch. The scheduling tool preserves existing message timings and only computes new slots for added or changed messages, thus minimizing the disruption of a previously already validated network. As a result, system upgrades and expansions can be implemented faster, with less required testing and re-certification efforts.
With the latest release 5.10, three new features will become available that further improve reliability, performance, and speed:
- Switch-Sourced Synchronization (S3) is a new robust clock synchronization mechanism as an alternative to the traditional Time-Triggered Ethernet distributed clock synchronization as standardized in SAE AS6802. S3 places the main timing sources (Synchronization Masters) into the network switches, rather than into the end system devices. These switches are grouped into separate channels (lanes), and each lane must agree on the correct time before influencing the rest of the system, which makes large networks even more resilient to failures. If one or even two clock sources fail, the system can still maintain accurate synchronization, which provides important extra protection under harsh space conditions like solar radiation events.
- Support for a new smart software-based end system, leveraging hardware acceleration functions and network controllers that are built into advanced microprocessors. Together with special software that implements scheduling and shaping functions, this removes the need for a dedicated interface card for connecting even critical systems to a TTEthernet network. This reduces weight and network complexity.
- A new, alternative message scheduler is now available. It uses a simpler “earliest deadline first” (EDF) heuristic, based on flows. It is faster, but the solution space is reduced because it is deliberately descoping the global view, whereas the standard (SMT) scheduler searches for a global solution that satisfies all provided user constraints. Either one can be selected independently, or with SMT as a fallback.
The TTETools 5.10 release will be made available to all customers on TTTECH’s Customer Portal as part of the maintenance service. While this release serves all applications and domains, the main users of the new features in TTETools 5.10 will be found in the space market.
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