Projects
Embedded Firmware
I did a project on a PIC16C58, ultra low power processor with only 2K Rom that was in 4 blocks of 512 bytes.
A special sequencer had to be created to work around it’s 2 level stack. With all that said, I got like 40 features out of the chip, everything from a critical A/D measurement based on the time it took for a capacitor to charge, to producing a ba-beeping sound while sending serial data through an LED.
The software would have to run for a period of 5 years performing sleep, measurement, and a call to action if required.
I have done several projects using processors from many popular suppliers such as Atmel, Microchip, Motorolo, STM Micro, TI, and Zilog.
I have designed many specialized algorithms supporting various transducers, everything from carbon monoxide detectors to positions information from specialized encoders and unique sensors.
In most cases the solution was always simple, yet hidden in the mystique of the challenge at hand.
Another specialized skill I picked up over the years was designing diagnostic interfaces to watch what going on with the operation of the current project being designed. May it be spying on a USB bus, or the communication on a RS-485 bus, I have experience in developing real time capuring software to capture to hard to prove cases.
Hardware Development
This is an example of a simple PLC controller capable of MODBUS communications that was used to measure pulses from multiple sources.
The design is simple and inexpensive and yet is designed to last and withstand a harsh environment.
I have experience in designing product that meet the basic requirements for DOC, FCC, CSA, UL,and CE along with the development of devices for use in Intrinsically Safe locations.
I have used all the major CAD systems to produce multi-layer PCBs that have been successful in the market place.
GUI Test Software
Originally starting with Borland C++, I now use the Microsoft Visual Studios for the quick generation of Test Software.
A data communication test package was quickly developed that could create scripts that would be used to send out data on multiple COM ports and monitor the interaction of the device under test.
A Blood Pressure monitor was being evaluated and to get some quick real time data, a cheap Blood Pressure monitor was bought for $50 and was used as a front end to a STM32F407 development system to get a capture of what was going on in real time. Need to data in under 8 hours!
