Services

Complete Embedded Systems Design

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

In our initial free meeting, we will clarify your business objectives and create a high-level specification. 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, and acceptance testing.

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 the first time round, without risky over-optimisation.

Firmware Development

I offer all aspects of firmware development to bring your embedded hardware to life. My focus areas are C, C++, and Python, but I have experience in numerous other other programming languages.

I can develop new firmware from scratch, or maintain your existing code base. I usually work with 'bare metal', RTOS, or embedded Linux 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 strong 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 (PCB) Design

I offer multi-layer, mixed-signal PCB design services for 2, 4, 6 and higher-layer count circuit boards. Schematic capture, mechanical design considerations, footprint creation, component placement, track layout, and preparation of precise manufacturing files and product documentation are all in my wheelhouse. My go-to software is KiCAD, but I have delivered boards with Cadence OrCAD, Altium, and EasyEDA; I can adapt to other software as required.

I have worked with different PCB fabrication facilities from the UK, Europe, and China, and I understand PCB manufacturing considerations well. I am used to working with the current challenges of global chip shortages - I have delivered successful contracts for board re-designs optimised for constrained component availability.

Rapid Prototyping

I make your concepts 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, and other intellectual property. Going from nothing to something is usually the hardest step - I can take you there.

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'm competent with the full scope of prototyping work.

Circuit Design

With a clear understanding of your circuit's objectives, I build the design--considering factors such as performance, cost, manufacturability, and component availability. Using my experience with CAD tools such as Altium, Cadence, and Kicad, I create flat or 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.

My goal is to deliver an 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.

Consulting Services

I provide consulting services for electronics, PCB design, firmware, control theory, and engineering mathematics. With a rigorous background in formal education backed by practical experience, I can explain complex topics in an intuitive and engaging way.

I have unblocked IP bottlenecks for both start-up and corporate clients by delivering detailed technical documents for unlocking new investment series, or by assimilating a large team's 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.