Project Details
Designed the power control module firmware for a system that
measured and reported weather data from small airfield sites.
Firmware written for an MSP430 controlled system and heater
power based on battery and line voltage measurements. The design
also include serial communications for design and production
test.
Designed and integrated the firmware for a decoy launcher used
to protect surface ships. Setup 8051 / Kiel development tools,
wrote firmware, and debug launcher controls. Brought hardware
design capabilities to the project analyzing and documenting
circuit functionality, advising on the firmware / hardware interface.
Consulted on proprietary system wide communication protocol
issues. Recommended product test strategies and wrote communication
test software for design and production test that allowed testing
of individual system components.
Responsible for integrating security protocols into firmware
for a cell phone based credit approval device. Wrote and debugged
firmware that utilized public key technology. Made use of a
local SAM card to implement security processes. Worked with
remote server designer to analyze and debug key exchange and
encrypted data transfer. Also wrote the TLV interpreter that
processed setup data sent to the cell phone.
Developed firmware for a series of Docking Frame Resource boards
used in automated semiconductor test equipment. Responsibilities
included firmware standardization, USB 2.0 communication, command/response
protocols, detailed firmware design, and firmware library development.
Wrote and debugged firmware in 8051 'C', verified design requirements
were met, and debugged hardware.
Developed a VB.Net point and click command interface that made
board communications simple for hardware/firmware debug and
production test.
Provide ongoing design, production test, and customer support
for 8051 based electric utility controls. Responsibilities include
firmware upgrade with new features and performance specifications,
production test upgrade for updated firmware, and customer support.
Wrote production and field test software for a machine that
tested high performance industrial filters. The software included
a GUI for test setup and control, embedded sequence and decision
scripts, result logging to a network database, and test engine
communication for hardware IO. The GUI, script handler, and
logging were written in VB with the test engine communications
handled by a DLL written in 'C'.
Designed a PIC based wireless telemetry module that provided
communications between remote devices and a Wireless Application
Service Center. Responsibilities included communication architecture
and firmware for TCP, IP, and PPP protocols that connected via
1x and/or CSC CDMA data networks. Developed the state machine
that controlled the CDMA radio, negotiated connections, and
transported data to and from the service center. Integrated
Allen Bradley DF1 protocol and wrote local application to handle
file transfer between the PLC and the application service center.
Information was ultimately available to end-users over the Internet.
Developed a DNP translator with Internet communications to a
WAP (wireless application provider) server. This was a Windows
/ VC++ based DNP protocol translator that allow utility SCADA
masters to communicate with Cellemetry wireless network devices
via the Internet. The translator supports DNP point read/write,
class poll, report by exception, and unsolicited reports.
Turnkey Design of a PIC based Overhead Lighting Control for
street lighting applications. This was a high volume, very cost
sensitive design that used a low end PIC for logic control.
Project included circuit design, PCB layout, prototype fabrication,
PIC firmware, and design validation. The design also had to
overcome significant transient interference from lamp starters.
Performed design review of a data acquisition module that was
used as an educational tool for high school physics classes.
The acquisition module design was based on TI's MSP430 processor
and used a Palm Zire for data presentation and experiment control.
Also designed USB communications hardware and firmware that
connected the Palm to the Acquisition module.
Developed the business model, built technical
team and developed End-to-End wireless telemetry products and
services that reduce complex field product and communications
system design to a straight forward remote device template with
transparent Internet access. Air2App provides consulting to
help clients design wireless telemetry into their products,
wireless air accounts, backend Internet hosting and end user
client software.
Designed and implemented a wireless telemetry application service
center that provided nation wide wireless communication to remote
applications. The server communicated over AMPS-CSC, Cellemetry,
CDPD, and CDMA wireless networks to remote equipment. The server
provided users Internet access to their remote equipment via
client software. The server employed database driven data flow
and control logic with custom data services written in VC++.
Remote equipment events were reported via email, pager, or dial-out
as well as with connection to client software.
The service center included primary and backup NT servers, automated
database replication, automated tape backup, fail-over to the
backup server, and an extensive fault and notification monitor.
This project also included client shell software providing custom
presentation and control interface to the user's remote equipment.
The client shell was filled with application specific format
and presentation control from the server database.
Designed a PIC based AC measurement module for a motor generator
control panel. The module samples 3 phase voltage and current
inputs, calculates RMS voltage, current, neutral current, power,
VAr, and power factor, and sends results to the control panel.
Designed 8051firmware and SoC programmable logic for a handheld
golfer's aid. The user interface was a quarter VGA color display
that include numerous softkey driven screens with animation.
The device also included short range RF communications as well
as USB for communications to a PC. Project included PC software
for data and firmware up/down load over USB.
Developed a PIC wireless telemetry module for motor-generator
control panels. The module reports status changes and alarms,
unit location, and supports remote start / stop control. In
addition to serial panel communications the module also provides
analog and digital input, digital output, and a GPS connection.
The module uses the Cellemetry Data Network providing coverage
in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Developed a PIC based remote data acquisition and control module
utilizing the AMPS-CSC, CDPD, and Cellemetry wireless networks.
The on board PIC processor included host serial communications,
Air-Ready radio protocol, analog/digital inputs, logic/relay
outputs, and local alarm logic. The module was an inexpensive
flexible tool to give field controllers a wireless connection
fast.
Designed Windows based field setup and installation software
tools that gave the user the ability to setup his application
and the wireless modem. The software tools measure field strength
and verified end to end wireless connection with an Internet
or dedicated data server.
Protocol Translator 6/1999 to 2/2000
Developed a Windows / PC based DNP protocol translator to allow
utility SCADA masters to communicate with Cellemetry wireless
network devices. Translator is written in VC++ and communicated
via Cellemetry's database to access wireless network devices.
The translator supports DNP point read/write, class poll, report
by exception, and unsolicited reports. The DNP points list is
configured in a support file.
Design a system to alert Fire Fighting personnel of an emergency
incident. The system uses the CDPD wireless network for fast
alert and Fire Fighter response.
Upgraded Windows based application software to use TCP/IP protocol
to make field units accessible over the CDPD wireless network
and the Internet.
Design Windows applications that communicated with a central
server, collected field data, and presented results to the user.
The application provided data interpretation, alarm indications,
and field device control capabilities. Screen grids were user
selectable and programmable to allow the user to tailor his
presentation to fit his needs.
Designed software for a precision roll feed that would feed
sheet stock into punch presses. The platform was a PacSci 900
series motion controller. Software included multi axis coordinated
motion control, user interface, and ancillary equipment control.
Designed and implemented a data server that provided nation
wide monitor and control of remote field units for electric
utilities. The server communicated with the Cellemetry network,
with end user computers, provided database services, order entry,
billing support, and new unit installation. The server platform
ran on Windows NT 4.0 with SQL Server database and included
a primary and a backup server, automated database replication,
automated tape backup, fail-over to backup server, and an extensive
fault and notification monitor.
Designed hardware and firmware for a modular precision scale
used primarily for counting applications. The XA based processor
supported eight weighing bases, a graphics LCD display, a custom
keypad, and discrete logic I/O. Code was written in 'C' and
assembler with flexible display drivers to make presentation
changes easy. The scale controller maintained mode, tare, and
APW for each base allowing simultaneous counting on all eight
bases.
Developed wireless controls and support system for nationwide
deployment of an electric utility distribution automation product
line. Worked with wireless network providers to determine data
flow, protocol, and connection means. Developed wireless service
specification, data format, end user application requirements.
Traveled with client to utility customer to assist in system
sales efforts.
Designed a family of low cost controllers that utilizes Cellemetry
wireless technology for two way device control and monitoring.
The 8051 based controllers provide remote monitoring, alarm
functions, as well as local and remote switch control. Cellemetry
is a wireless network that uses the AMPS Cellular control channel
to communicate with remote field devices.
Designed a remote, three phase power meter with radio link for
data dump. Responsible for hardware and firmware design of an
8051 based real time wave form sampling, RMS calculation, and
data link that reported cumulative power usage via short range
RF to a remote handheld data collector. Responsibilities included
production test fixtures and software as well as a Windows application
that uploaded data from the handheld and presented results.
The diversion meter was used to verify customer power usage.
Designed a PIC based pager switch for electric utilities that
used one way paging technology for wireless remote control.
The project included support software for product setup.
Designed firmware that controlled the height of a plasma cutting
torch. The 80251 design included user interface, motion control,
and communications with stage control and robot computers. Developed
communication protocol
Added DNP protocol translation to the cap controller's 68302
communication processor. Implemented a number of controller
and communication custom features for Southern California Edison.
Designed a PIC based device that measured and correlated acceleration
and drive position. An alarm output was set when correlation
detected an error. The device was used to detect drive component
breakage in a semiconductor wafer handling system. Drive component
breakage would spill expensive wafers.
Over an 8 year Support Lab has designed a line of microprocessor
capacitor controls for electric utilities. Support Lab has been
responsible for the digital hardware design, all the product
software, design testing, and Windows based user application
software. The designs have employed 8051 derivatives, the 68302,
and most recently the PIC family for lower cost designs.
Developed structures and compiler techniques to handle varied
communication protocols. This work minimizes the effort to implement
the numerous protocols common in the utility industry. Protocols
included Cellemetry, Metricom Lan Packet, DNP, and Modbus.
Designed a meter calibrator that was used in the field to verify
the accuracy of utility billing meters. This product used a
TMS320c50 DSP processor to continuously sample voltage and current
waveforms. Designed hardware and firmware for real time continuous
wave sampling, sensor calibration, calculations, meter and user
interface. The tester performed RMS, distortion, and harmonic
calculations, monitored the meter under test and present performance
reports.
Designed a Windows CE / VC++ user interface applications that
controlled test, collected and plotted results. His application
ran on a 'palm top' computer
Provided software support in 'C' and 68000 assembler for AB
Laser's LBI-6000 and Landmark 2000 marking systems. Projects
included special purpose customer I/O, remote communications,
table driven marking sequences, and motion control. Also worked
with mechanical engineers to design custom handling systems
that fed parts into the laser marker.
Designed and built a device that translates computer messages
into audio tones which are transmitted via radio to controlled
power utility load management switches.
Designed and built a controller for a pump that dispensed photo-resist
with micro liter resolution. The 8051 based controller measured
pressures and controlled a set of pneumatic valves to regulate
dispense volume. Firmware supported multiple dispense recipes
and serial communications with a host controller.
Designed an 8051 based interface that conditions strain gauge
signals for an industrial scale.
Developed the system concepts, and wrote the technical portions
of a proposal to apply side scan sonar technology to the ASW
environment. Designed a prototype system to show feasibility.
Designed a 68000 based embedded controller providing laser power
sequence control, operational status maintenance, and operator
interface.
Developed a digital signal processing subsystem for real time
sonar data analysis. Designed algorithms for echo extraction
from reverberation and noise employing correlation techniques.
Completed control software for a medical centrifuge, allowing
the client to ship his product.
An embedded controller that analyzes acoustic echoes to count
bowling pins.
A three axis servo control system which automated the machining
of holes at complex angles in an acoustic array.
Designed computer and motion control systems for a machine that
inspected printed circuit board solder joints.
Developed a controller that allowed a host computer to access
machine functions over an IEEE-488 instrument bus.
Wrote software that drove an X-Y table to locate faulty solder
joints.
On going support for a portable sonar system which included
coordinating sea tests, data analysis, system demos, and customer
interface.
Developed a portable, low frequency sonar for ASW applications.
Developed prototypes for an interactive system to aid in the
recovery of stolen vehicles. The prototype used VHF frequencies,
direction finding technology, and a tracking display that led
the user to the stolen vehicle.
