VITA PERSONAS

Alexios Papadopoulos, System Architect, HENSOLDT Sensors GmbH

After secondary school, Alexios trained as a radio and television technician. After gaining his technical college entrance qualification, he studied electrical engineering at Ulm University of Applied Sciences. Initially, Alexios worked as a developer of processor cards and programmed some of the firmware and bring-up software himself. Gradually he was given system tasks, leaving him responsible for embedded computer systems as a system architect today.

WORKING WITH VITA

1.    How does VITA 46 provide users with a competitive edge in defense solutions?

Equipment for the defense market includes high-performance embedded computers that operate in harsh environments. The ANSI/VITA 46 helps users develop standardized solutions for the military market that are essential for a competitive advantage, while proprietary solutions are time-consuming and error prone. By applying the electrical specifications, including alignment, keying and high-speed connector features, as well as the guidelines for power rails and utility signals defined in VITA 46, development becomes more competitive and meets customers' requirements for compliant systems.

2. To those new to the VITA standards, could you explain the difference between VITA 46 (VPX) and VITA 65 (OpenVPX)?

The VPX standard VITA 46 and its dot standards, which define interconnections in a system, are the basis for any development in compliant systems. A certain degree of flexibility, e.g. with regard to the communication protocols used, is deliberately permitted. This is precisely where VITA 65 comes in by defining versatile architectural solutions from a system perspective. All definitions of the VITA 46 family standards are taken into account to define a variety of standard profiles, including slot profiles, module profiles and backplane profiles. Interoperability is ensured by applying the permissible combinations defined in VITA 65.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why?  If not, how’d you wind up here?

Well, as a child I took apart everything I got as a toy to see how it was built and then put it back together again. Only when I had successfully put it together did I play with it. Basically, it was this curiosity that motivated me to study electrical engineering after my training as a radio and television technician.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)

Even years after development has been completed, delivered systems can still fail due to errors despite an intensive and extensive testing phase. The isolation and elimination of such errors is usually very complex and can only be done in interdisciplinary teams with the most intensive collaboration and with the greatest effort.

3. What is one of the biggest issues currently facing engineers?

I think that the ever-increasing demands on data rates to be processed, as well as the ever-increasing power consumption in conjunction with miniaturization will continually present engineers with new challenges.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

Be curious and ask about things you don't understand until you do.

Off the cuff: Is there a new piece of tech coming out that you’re waiting to get your hands on?

Flux capacitor in operation from the science fiction movie ‘Back to the Future’.

Mark Benton, Senior Principal Development Engineer, Advanced Systems Architecture, TE Connectivity 

With a B.S. General Engineering degree from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and M.S. and Ph.D, Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mark brings over 40 years of diverse R&D and product development experience in machine dynamics, electronic materials, high speed connectors, fiber optic transceivers, media conversion, multiplexing, rugged fiber optics in markets ranging from datacom, telecom, outdoor broadcast, oil and gas, military, and commercial aviation. His main area of expertise are rugged fiber optics applications, optoelectronic transceivers and media conversion, wavelength and time domain multiplexing.

WORKING WITH VITA

1. Explain some of the work you’re doing with VITA?

I managed the TE engineers who were directly involved with the VITA 66.5 standard and VITA 87 early on.  I’ve been working mainly on rugged small form factor optical transceiver needs for embedded applications and have presented on optical trends twice at ETT.  In my present position, I’ve been more involved with VITA 100 working group to see how that can be leveraged into an optical transceiver solution as well as supporting the higher speeds and electrical signal density requirements for next gen.

2. How has VITA 66.5 allowed market-driven evolution within optical interfaces?

Mainly this standard has allowed higher density along the PIC edge by combining RF miniature coax and MT fiber interfaces or three 24 fiber connections into a single half width position. That’s 900G Duplex traffic on that single 3 MT connection. 

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why?  If not, how’d you wind up here?

IT evolved – came down to being a radio DJ or staying in engineering when I was an undergrad and I chose the “job stability” of engineering!  Turned out there was a recession that year and I ended up at UW Madison doing a MS and then PhD in mechanical engineering – Gear Dynamics.  Thought about teaching but wanted real engineering experience first.  After grad school, started with DuPont in machine dynamics R&D.   With various stops in other technologies and companies along the way, I find myself in fiber optics, optical transceivers (for the third time) and media conversion in RFO at TE.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)

The never ending (it seems) push to increase functional density on the PICs in VPX systems.

3. What is one of the biggest issues currently facing engineers?

I think it’s the ability to stay current in any technical field given the knowledge generation rate is so much faster now, and soon how to make best use of Artificial Intelligence in new product development.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

Learn a balance of discipline because an embedded system has aspects of electronics, mechanics, and sometimes material engineering that one can find competitive with one another... so learning the tradeoff decision process between these often-competing demands is key. 

Off the cuff: What's the most recent show you've binge watched?

For my wife and I …  Friends all 10 seasons (almost done!)

Mike Walmsley, Product Manager, Industry Standards, TE Connectivity

Mike Walmsley has more than 40 years of experience with TE Connectivity (TE) and formerly AMP Inc. primarily in Engineering and Product Management with an emphasis on new  product development. His areas of expertise include interconnect solutions for embedded computing, rugged high speed board level and RF connectors. Mike earned his MBA from Penn State University – Harrisburg and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Rochester, NY. 

WORKING WITH VITA

1. Explain what’s coming for the next generation of VITA standards.

It’s an exciting time in the VSO.  There are multiple study groups and working groups actively working on revisions or new standards for next generation embedded computing.  OpenVPX hardware standards are being reviewed for future requirements, addressing needs for higher bandwidth and processing speeds, higher density, more efficient power handling and improved cooling technologies.  From the VPX plug-in modules to backplanes, mezzanine cards and external connections and small form factor systems, technology is evolving rapidly, and the VITA standards activity is responding.

2. As VITA 67 Working Group chair, how are RF coax and optical interconnect evolving in OpenVPX architecture?

With the need for higher bandwidth and increased density in sensor systems, high density optical and coax interconnect are becoming a critical piece within OpenVPX architectures. New coax interfaces NanoRF and SMPS have been added to the VITA 67.3 standard, and VITA 66.5 was published with high density optical modules and hybrid coax/optics solutions.  We are also introducing new 75-ohm coax modules to support emerging high speed video applications.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why?  If not, how’d you wind up here?

As a child, I always took things apart to see how they worked and I loved and excelled in math, so I’d say engineering was really my calling.  My dad was an electrical engineer, but I went the mechanical engineering route because I had to physically see things work.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)

How technology changes in the Defense industry have accelerated in the past 10 years.  Technology evolution with military products had been slow for decades, but it’s exciting to see the demand for rugged high-speed solutions, and higher density packaging driving new interconnects and standardization.

3. What is one of the biggest issues currently facing engineers?

With emerging technologies, more than ever an engineer must work within a team and collaborate with other disciplines. For example, in developing high speed products an engineer must balance mechanical robustness, signal integrity and manufacturability. No product will be successful without evaluating all these aspects and addressing for the end system requirements.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

Ask questions and build knowledge outside your immediate functional responsibility.  The best engineers understand what impact their designs have for their customers and their applications and know how to optimize designs by consulting with “experts”.

Off the cuff: What's the most recent show you've binge watched?

“Better Call Saul” - as good as Breaking Bad but with more dark humor.  It’s all good man…

JR Bonnefoy, System Engineer, Samtec

JR Bonnefoy is a Systems Engineer for Samtec's Signal Integrity Group. He is involved in the design of high speed test systems and he leads the hardware development of evaluation and demonstration platforms for high data rate interconnects. He is responsible for the design of Samtec’s VITA related development platforms, including the FMC/FMC+ family.

WORKING WITH VITA

1. For someone not familiar with VITA 90, what are the key elements to understanding the benefits of this standard?

If you are familiar with VITA 74, known as VNX, you already know more than you think about VITA 90. VITA 74 defined a small form factor (SFF) modular architecture for embedded computing systems optimized for rugged environment. VITA 90, VNX+, is an evolution of VITA 74. It builds on the VNX standards. It is designed to address the growing demand for high-speed data transfer in rugged, embedded computing systems used in military and aerospace applications in a volume about a third of a traditional 3U card.

It borrows the Searay interface from VITA 57, optimized for signal integrity and it can accommodate optical and coaxial connectors allowing for design flexibility.

2. What new design challenges do you see in power electronics used in military aircraft, and how can standards help?

Some of the obvious challenges of power electronics for military aircrafts are size, weight and power management, or SWaP. Standards play an important role. VITA 90 mentioned above is a good example. VITA 62 is another one that defines mechanical, electrical and environment requirements for VPX modules. There is a growing need for energy efficient power electronics both to reduce cost and meet environmental standards.

Cybersecurity is another important challenge; we saw it in the news recently. Standards can help monitor and address these challenges to make sure electronics solution for military aircraft are reliable and safe in harsh environment.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why? If not, how’d you wind up here?

Yes, even if I didn’t know it at the time. Both my grandfathers were tinkering in their home workshops, and I have fond memories of growing up watching them build and fix all kind of things. Later, I had an amazing physics teacher in high school who finished to launch me towards engineering and there was no turning back.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)

One of the most recent surprises is the rise of Artificial Intelligence, or rather its recent accessibility to the public. It is a disruption to many fields and especially to computer science. It can already help us optimize code, detect faults, debug quicker… I strongly believe that we should embrace it and learn how to use it to improve our daily tasks and tackle more challenges.

3. What is one of the biggest issue currently facing engineers?

One of the biggest issues currently facing engineers is the need to address climate change and promote sustainable development. Engineers play a critical role in designing and developing the infrastructure, technologies, and systems that power our societies and economies. However, these systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Engineers need to design and implement more sustainable solutions. One example is immersion cooling looking to reduce emissions in data centers.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

In my field of electrical engineering, I tell college students to build a strong foundation and master the fundamentals. When everything else fails, you’ll find yourself going back to the basics of electrical engineering. I also emphasize the importance of hands-on experience, look for internships. And finally, be curious and stay up to date, that’s true for any scientific field really. Technologies evolve, if you don’t keep up with publications, conferences, etc… you’ll become obsolete quickly.

Off the cuff: What's the most recent show you've binge watched?

I’d be way too embarrassed to share what I binge watch, instead I’ll recommend binge listening to the Association of Old Crows podcast “The History of Crows”.

Vinay Clauson, Executive Vice President, Rantec Power Systems

Vinay Clauson is the executive vice president at Rantec Power Systems, bringing over 12 years of engineering leadership experience to his role at the supplier of high-performance power solutions, including VPX-based solutions, for advanced platforms. Starting as an intern within the engineering department, he worked his way up to become director of engineering and now EVP. He has played a pivotal role in driving Rantec’s innovation and growth supporting many development programs. Vinay is dedicated to delivering reliable and innovative power solutions to the military, ensuring mission-critical systems perform with high quality power solutions.

WORKING WITH VITA

1. For someone not familiar with VITA 86.0, what are the key elements to understanding the benefits of this standard?

The VITA 86.0-2019 standard was created to address the limitations of VITA 62.0 in high-voltage, harsh airborne environments by defining the mechanical and electrical specifications as well as environmental and operational requirements of a power module utilizing an innovative connector pair. By adopting the VITA 86.0 standard, developers can reduce the time and cost of developing embedded systems, while also improving system reliability and interoperability in high-voltage harsh airborne environments.

2.   What new design challenges do you see in power electronics used in military aircraft, and how can standards help?

Power electronics used in military aircraft face unique design challenges due to the harsh operating environments such as high altitude, extreme temperatures, shock and vibration. Additionally, power electronics must be designed to operate reliably in mission-critical systems and be able to handle increasing power demands while minimizing size, weight, and cost.

Standards can help by providing guidelines and requirements for designing and testing power electronics in these challenging environments, which can reduce development time and costs, while improving reliability and safety.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why?  If not, how’d you wind up here?

Since I was a kid, I was always curious on why things work and would enjoy the hands-on experience of taking things apart. From doing construction projects around the house with my dad to building my own computers, I really loved doing things myself and having to troubleshoot problems. Getting into engineering was a natural fit for me. With an affinity for math and physics in college, I was very interested in the core engineering coursework.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)

One aspect of embedded computing and engineering in general that surprises many people is the level of complexity involved in designing and developing even seemingly simple COTS products. The process often requires deep expertise in multiple disciplines, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and software development as well as an understanding of the application and environment in which the product will be used. A multi-disciplinary approach is paramount to ensure consistency in delivered product over the lifecycle.

3. What is one of the biggest issue currently facing engineers?

One of the biggest issues currently facing engineers in the military and aerospace power electronics industry is the need for power electronics to operate at higher power levels, while still maintaining high levels of reliability and efficiency within the same space constraints. As power electronics are pushed to handle more power and operate in more extreme environments, traditional cooling methods may no longer be sufficient, and new approaches are needed to manage the heat generated by these devices.

This challenge requires innovative designs that can handle higher temperatures without sacrificing performance or reliability. Additionally, designers must consider the impact of higher temperatures on the materials and components used in power electronics, such as the thermal expansion, derating to junction temperatures, and aging of semiconductors and capacitors.

Addressing these challenges also requires a multi-disciplinary approach, one that incorporates expertise in materials science, thermal management and power electronics design.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

A strong foundation in engineering is essential, but leadership is also important for someone entering the field of engineering. Leadership at every level enables you to effectively work within and manage teams, collaborate with colleagues and clearly communicate technical information to stakeholders.

Off the cuff:  Is there a new piece of tech coming out that you’re waiting to get your hands on?

With the prevalence of AI, I am really looking forward to AI generated designs that will assist engineers in optimizing product designs faster and more efficiently, while maintaining performance.

Bob Patterson, Staff R&D/Product Development Engineer, TE Connectivity

Bob has worked as an engineer in the connector industry for his entire career, all of it with TE Connectivity (originally AMP Inc.). Originally from the Pittsburgh area, he moved to Harrisburg in 1978 to join AMP Inc. Bob's lone hobby these days is firefighting, which he's been doing for the past 35 years. Working from home since COVID enables him to respond to emergencies 24/7.

WORKING WITH VITA

1. For someone not familiar with VITA, what would you say are some key benefits that the trade association provides in the development of electronic components?

VITA membership is made up of manufacturers and users that have a common market interest in real-time, modular embedded computing systems. Having such a diverse membership helps drive the technology. Not long after I became involved with VITA, the VME 320 technology was presented a VSO meeting that would take signal speeds up to 320 megabytes per second. That created quite a stir at the time, although that speed is not impressive by today’s standards. Now there are discussions about 200+GBs. These advancements are the result of the membership companies, including competitors, working together on a common goal.

2. What are some (or one) innovations you have seen in product development that were influenced by VITA standards (or open standards in general)?

One instance is when the TE MultiGig connector was originally selected as the interconnect for the VITA 46 (VPX) standard, it had been designed for and used primarily in the communications industry. As the VPX and industry requirements changed over time requiring increased signal speeds and ruggedization, MultiGig connector design changes were made to meet those needs.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why? If not, how’d you wind up here?

I decided to become an engineer while in middle school. I always enjoyed mechanical drawing and problem solving. Penn State had built a branch campus 10 minutes from my home a few years earlier and it seemed like a good fit.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or VITA in general)

I would say the satisfaction of helping develop standards that will be used in the industry for years to come. I’ve chaired two standards in my time with the VSO and it feels good to have made some contribution. I’ve been attending VSO meetings since 1996 and have learned so much about the embedded computing market during that time.

3. What is one of the biggest issue currently facing our Aerospace & Defense or engineering community?

My opinion is that recruitment and retention are two big problems facing not only the engineering community today, but all industries. Finding people to fill open positions is becoming more difficult and retaining them is as equally difficult. People just don’t want stay in one place for too long anymore.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into engineering?

I’d always recommend engineering as a career when the opportunity presented itself. When we would visit schools during engineering week over the years, we’d always point out to the students that everything they see around them was designed by some type of engineer.

Off the cuff:  What’s the most recent show you’ve binge watched?

I don’t really binge watch any shows, but the last network show I watched regularly was The Big Bang Theory.

Suzanne Gartlan, Director of Global Sales, IEH Corporation

Suzanne is the global director of sales at IEH connectors. She is responsible for business development as well as sales nationally and internationally. She has championed multiple platforms in our industry through mil-defense, space, aerospace, medical as well as oil and gas. She has been an active member with VITA for the last eight years and has been a program manager for developing the high speed connectors at IEH. Suzanne is looking forward to working with VITA and the trajectory of the continued growth of VITA’s platform.

WORKING WITH VITA

1. What role does VITA’s Community play in helping the larger embedded computing ecosystem?

I believe it is multi faceted in the role it plays in embedded systems. It has a large responsibility in supporting as well as educating engineers in the field on what is the best option for their design.

2. For someone not familiar with VITA, what are the key elements to understanding the benefits of VITA Standard that provides improved capability to the end users?

To educate and help engineers with ease of design. It benefits them to know what the capabilities are of the various standard as well as what is the interoperability provided by the standards. The more guidance the standards can provide the better opportunity the engineer has for developing higher quality products.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be in high tech? If so, why? If not, how’d you wind up here?

I wanted to work with extraordinary people with extraordinary designs. I was always interested in how things were made and was mesmerized by flight.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with VITA?

How much I have enjoyed the people. I have learned so much from the brilliance and passions from the various VITA members.

3. What is one of the biggest issues currently facing our Aerospace & Defense community?

Being technically advantaged over our adversaries to provide strategic deterrence. We need to have a more proactive approach to next level design.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field?

Never get complacent and try to learn something new every day.

Off the cuff: Is there a new piece of tech coming out that you’re waiting to get your hands on?

Flying cars!

Dean Holman, President/Executive Director, VITA

Dean leverages over three decades of leadership in the Aerospace and Defense industry to unite competitors, producers and end users in the successful development of next generation, leading edge interoperability standards. His experience as an FPGA and board designer, systems engineer, sustaining engineering manager and senior director of global mission assurance helps him guide VITA members as they develop these open standards to enable future system designs.

WORKING WITH VITA

1. What is one of the more significant standards that VITA has developed, and why?

Aside from the original VMEBus standard released in 1982, which eventually drove a revolution in the embedded space, I would say ANSI/VITA 65 OpenVPX is the most significant.  Based on ANSI/VITA 46 VPX, 65 has proliferated as THE base standard upon which other Open Standards groups (i.e. SOSA, etc,) base their work, which is being applied across most new system designs.

2. How are VITA’s standards being applied in modern communications systems?

A good example is how the ANSI/VITA 49 VITA Radio Transport (VRT) standard is offering a consistent protocol for Software Defined Radio interconnect systems that drives improved interoperability, maintainability and upgradability.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why?  If not, how’d you wind up here?

No.  I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a commercial airline pilot.  My dad flew two tours of combat as captain of a B-17G bomber in WWII, then spent 35 years flying for Northeast Airlines, then Delta.  The only thing that held me back was I wore glasses.  Back in the 70s and 80s, you had to have perfect vision to be a military pilot, which was the prime way of eventually flying commercially.  The chief pilot at Delta suggested to my father that I get an engineering degree and my private pilot license.  Then sign on with a 3rd tier airline (like Cape Air) and build up my time.  Then apply to 2nd tier carriers like UPS and FedEx, and eventually get picked up by Delta or American. 

I earned my BSEE from WPI and started working as a Systems Engineer at MITRE, while earning my private pilot license.  Low and behold, I found that I REALLY enjoyed engineering.  That was 38 years ago, and I'm happy with the path of my career.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)

Looking back, I think learning how rewarding it can be to solve a complex technical problem is what surprised me the most.  The satisfaction I felt of finally getting to the root cause of an issue through methodical detective work and designing an elegant solution that resolved the problem is what made my engineering years so enjoyable.  I have learned that you can extrapolate that methodology to leadership to resolve personnel and organizational issues with a similar rewarding feeling.

3. What is one of the biggest issues currently facing engineers?

I would say the impending “grey tsunami” is one of the largest issues facing our industry today.  There are a great number of engineers fast approaching retirement.  Companies need to focus more to facilitate knowledge transfer from these experienced engineers to the “junior talent” in their organizations.  Mentorship is a key method to accomplish this passing of the torch. 

I see this issue at VITA.  We have a large percentage of representatives from the various member companies who are very senior in their organization.  I have taken on a goal in my new role at VITA to help highlight to the leadership of member companies the need for them to get junior engineers involved in standards development.  By having them work closely with the experienced engineers, it would provide them with exposure to a treasure trove of experience and help facilitate that information transfer.  It would also provide our industry with the next generation of engineers skilled in developing open standards to carry our industry forward for decades to come.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

First of all, I would strongly recommend engineering as a career!  Not only is it rewarding from a personal perspective (the most important factor), it is also relatively stable and you are well compensated.  If the person is in high school, I would say to get involved in any STEM-based clubs.  If possible, get internships or summer jobs with engineering companies in their area in order to get exposed to the career. 

Once high schoolers or college students are committed to the field, I would also urge them to NOT focus completely on technology.  We all know the stereotypical “geeky” engineer persona.  I would urge those starting down the engineering career path to make an effort to become a well-rounded person.  Participate in clubs, social events and team-based activities in order to become more outgoing.  It will help you in the long run. 

Off the cuff: Tell us your favorite joke.

An engineer was crossing a road one day, when a frog called out to him: "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess," said the frog.

He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket.

The frog then cried out: "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you for one week and do ANYTHING you want."

Again, the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.

“What is the matter?” the frog asked. “I've told you I'm a beautiful princess and that I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"

"Look,” said the man. “I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog - now that's cool!

Jeff David, Senior Principal Software Engineer, Mercury Systems, Inc.

Jeff has worked in the computer hardware and software industry since the 80s, including on OS components, wired and wireless networking, board bring-up, ATCA, IPMI, and VITA 46.11. He’s married with grown children and one grandchild! His hobbies include playing the bass guitar and riding motorcycles.

WORKING WITH VITA

1. What role does VITA’s Systems Management Community play in helping the larger embedded computing ecosystem?

VITA’s System Management Community provides a framework for communication within which multiple varied companies can collaborate and create products that successfully and seamlessly interact.

2. For someone not familiar with VITA 46.11, what are the key elements to understanding the benefits of this standard that provides a systems control capability?

Systems that support VITA 46.11 have the ability to communicate with each other over a well-established and well-defined low-level backplane protocol that remains available even when higher-level communication (e.g. Ethernet) is not. The VITA 46.11 Chassis Manager provides a focal point from which all boards in a chassis may be controlled (for power and reset) and an aggregation point on which information about the boards in the system and their health may be easily collected. It is important to understand that the System Management infrastructure remains powered on while the Payload of each board in the system may be powered off.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why?  If not, how’d you wind up here?

Haha! No, I wanted to be a travelling musician! Then I settled down and got married, had kids, and went back to school. I enjoyed working on computers at school and got a job at Wang upon graduation. Many industry changes over the years eventually brought me to Mercury.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)

How I continue to remain interested and feel rewarded just from getting things to work!

3. What is one of the biggest issue currently facing engineers?

Outsourcing.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

Do what you enjoy doing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Off the cuff: Tell us your favorite joke.

I thought I was wrong once, but I was wrong…

Lori Bechtold, Retired, Reliability Engineer

Lori Bechtold is a reliability engineer, retired after 32 years with The Boeing Company.  She has participated in the VITA Standards Organization since 2004, and has chaired the reliability working group, VITA 51, since 2006.  She also participates in SAE and IEEE standards development.  She is currently leading a joint development effort between IEEE and VITA to develop a new standard for electronics derating.

WORKING WITH VITA

1. What role does VITA’s Reliability Community play in helping the larger embedded computing ecosystem?

The VITA Reliability Community provides a forum for finding common solutions for the challenges facing reliability practitioners from different companies. 

2. For someone not familiar with VITA 51.x, what are the key elements to understanding the benefits of this standard that provides a failure rate prediction framework?

The VITA 51.x family of standards provides consensus-based solutions to common reliability problems, such as updating the modelling factors in reliability handbooks for current technologies or applying innovative analysis methods like physics of failure.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why?  If not, how’d you wind up here?

I was always interested in math, since I was a young child.  I majored in mathematics in college and there, I was provided with a broader understanding of engineering and decided to concentrate on applied math.  I was offered an engineering job before graduation with a large aerospace company and stayed there for my whole career.

2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)

I’m surprised at how undervalued embedded computing applications are.  Because they are often low volume, highly specialized equipment they don’t attract the same attention as high-volume commercial electronics.  However, embedded electronics enable us to safely drive cars and efficiently navigate airplanes, so are very important for our world and our quality of life.

3. What is one of the biggest issues currently facing engineers?

Cybersecurity and, more generally, issues related to assuring information integrity are becoming bigger issues as our world embraces increased information access and interconnectivity.

4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

Reliability engineering requires a good foundation of engineering fundamentals, as well as a penchant for seeing and exposing weaknesses in designs.

Off the cuff: What’s the most recent show you’ve binge watched?

I love nature shows and have been binge watching several in the Planet Earth series.