Services

Full Cycle Device Development

My main focus is the end-to-end development of custom embedded systems. Every project has unique requirements and constraints, so I deliver concept-to-delivery services tailored to your needs.

We will collaborate to deeply understand your current and future business objectives. From these conversations, a high-level specification will emerge. We'll select the embedded platform suitable for your needs. After completing any necessary prototyping and simulation, this evolves into a circuit diagram, then printed circuit board (PCB) design and layout, small-batch manufacture and assembly, followed by board bring-up, firmware development, testing, feedback gathering, and iteration.

I understand the importance of precisely understanding your product's needs, whilst recognising that in the fast-paced business world, requirements usually change mid-project. My objective is getting it right as fast as possible, without relying on excessive design cycles, board re-spins, or risky over-optimisations.

Software and Firmware

I offer all aspects of firmware development to bring your embedded hardware to life. My main tool is C, but I often use other programming languages such as Python and C++. I use Git for version control, and I favour simple, portable build systems with minimal dependencies. As someone who's suffered their fair share of undocumented, poorly-maintained legacy codebases, I bring a particular focus on simplicity, documentation, and readability. I try to avoid over-complicated abstractions as much as possible.

I can develop new software projects from scratch, or maintain your existing code base. I usually work with 'bare metal', and also have experience with embedded Linux and RTOS environments.

My firmware contributions are soon headed for geostationary orbit around planet Earth, and have run in cutting-edge electric engines for leading Formula E teams. I have experience writing MISRA-C compliant firmware according to strict spaceflight-grade payload software standards. I have developed code to control high-voltage, high-performance traction systems into the hundreds of kW power range, and I've contributed to software in academic research & development facilities.

Printed Circuit Board Design

I design DFM-focused, mixed-signal, multi-layer PCBs that pass EMC certification and don't cause manufacturing nightmares. I have competency in schematic capture, mechanical design integration, footprint creation, component placement, track layout, high-speed signal routing, controlled impedance design, and preparation of precise manufacturing files and product documentation. I have delivered boards using numerous industry-standard PCB design programs such as Altium and OrCAD Cadence, as well as emerging open-source solutions such as KiCAD.

I have worked with various PCB fabrication facilities from the UK, Europe, and China. As a result, I am very familiar with PCB manufacturing requirements, constraints, the relationships between design choices and final tooling costs, and import customs / duties procedures.

Rapid Prototyping

I convert your business concept into reality by creating your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). You will get clarity on your ideas with proof-of-concept prototypes, code, simulations, feasibility reports, schematics — whatever deliverables the project requires. Going from nothing to something is one of the hardest steps, but also one of the most fulfilling.

There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to prototyping; it depends heavily on your project's scope, budget, and end goals. Sometimes, all it takes is an Arduino sketch to verify your idea. Other times, it's a whole system across the full stack of hardware to cloud services. I can help with the full scope of prototyping work.

Electronics Design

With a clear understanding of your business objectives, I deliver electronic circuit designs that correctly balance trade-offs such as performance, cost, manufacturability, and future component availability. You will receive organised, readable, hierarchical schematics that outline the connections between different sub-systems components. I can perform thorough simulations and testing to ensure that our circuit design meets your requirements.

I acquired particularly good experience of working with global chip shortages during the COVID era, where I re-designed companies' legacy PCBs for manufacturability with reduced component supply.

The end result is a comprehensive set of deliverables, including clear, well-documented schematics, bill of materials (BOM), and recommendations on PCB layout/stack-up/manufacturing. I understand the importance of close collaboration with all product stakeholders throughout the design process to prevent excessive design revisions, expensive scope creep, or other such nasty surprises appearing late in the project.

Technical Consulting

I provide technical consulting and documentation services for electronics, PCB design, firmware, control theory, and engineering mathematics. I hold a 1st Class Master's Degree in electronic and electrical engineering from a top UK Russell Group university, where I won several academic awards. This rigorous background in formal education, backed by practical experience, allows me to explain complex topics in an intuitive and engaging way.

I have unblocked information bottlenecks for both start-up and corporate clients, such as delivering detailed technical documents for unlocking new investment series, or by assimilating teams' knowledge and process data into a standardised process handbook.

I also provide design reviews, troubleshooting / circuit / software debugging services, as well as general advice and strategies for technical product development.