Andrew S Armstrong - BSc CEng Electronics Consultant

• c. 25 years as a consultant electronics designer
• Experienced with design of analogue and digital equipment
• A good team player with the ability to be self supporting
• A good communicator
• Diverse skills include areas not normally combined in one individual
• Proven ability in analogue, including switched mode converters and RF
• Good understanding of the technical aspects of EMC
• Writes clear documentation in good English
• Can-do, proven ability to tackle problems
• The successful outcome of a project is a major motivation for me

Armstrong Consultants: an established consultancy offering:

Module, subassembly, or complete electronics system design, from assisting with initial specification through circuit design, pcb design, to production documentation, test fixtures and writing the press release or article for the intranet site.

General technical writing, including user manuals, service manuals, press releases etc. Technical consultancy for general and specialist electronics media.

Other consultants and associates specialise in website design, ICT training, website and print editing, press and PR, disability access issues, heritage and museums, knowledge management including database design and GIS, fundraising, and project management.

Armstrong Consultants specialise in sustainable solutions complementing in-house skills.

Skills:

General analogue, switched mode converters (including military spec), RF, low noise signal conditioning, power amplifiers, video, designs for automotive industry, security systems (including low power radio devices), hardware and flowcharting for embedded systems, various electronics CAD systems including Orcad, Protel, EE Designer, EDWIN, also SPECCTRA router. SMD layout and prototyping.

Good interpersonal and communications skills. Writing skills presentation skills, pc support (including building pcs and individual training).

Recent work includes:

• Ongoing problem solving and module design for a telematics company.
• Video security product for installation in flats.
• 868 MHz transceiver modules for a wireless shower control.
• 700W power factor correcting pre-regulator, incorporating ZVT techniques, for a mil. spec. battery charger. Also design of charger output modules for this project.
• Miscellaneous troubleshooting, for example the layout of a crowded 4 layer pcb that had defeated two previous consultants.

Examples of previous projects:

• Design of modules for a self-service library book issue/return terminal for a library automation company.
• Keyless entry system. Design and prototyping of 315 and 433.92 MHz rf subsystems. End-client's keyfob case required to have much chrome plated brass, with 20 to 25dB attenuation depending on antenna configuration, but only space for a 60mAH lithium cell. The units worked correctly and passed approvals.
• Consultant working with technical director and chief engineer to develop a patented security target conditioner for library use.
• Project management for the design and installation of a bespoke laboratory data gathering system for a major air conditioning company.
• Design of a patented sensorless car-window anti-trap device.
• Design of modules for a radio-linked security system.
• User and service manuals for a mil. spec. processor controlled switched mode battery charger.
• Control and signal path electronics for telecine, including a patented film tracking system.
• Construction projects and feature articles for electronics magazines.

Membership of Professional Bodies

Member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (1988).

Continuing Professional Development

Current developmental priorities: keeping up to date with current switched mode topologies, general electronics (mostly analogue), website design using CSSP, and learning about relational databases.

Office facilities:

I work at clients' bases or the Armstrong Consultants base. Facilities include:
Pentium PC, scanner, printer, faxmodem, internet access. Microsoft Office, CorelDraw, Dreamweaver MX, various CAD and simulation systems.

Preferred CAD system for schematic capture, simulation, and layout: EDWIN.
Electronics test and prototyping equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyser.

History

1984-present day Consultant Electronics and website designer.

1980 - 1984: Director of three-man electronics design/manufacturing consultancy

1978 - 1980: Oscilloscope circuitry for Gould Instruments Division.

1975 – 1978 Kelvin Hughes (Smiths Industries): radar system simulation and post design services.

1975 BSc(Hons), University College London.

Personal

English

No serious health troubles

Current passport and full clean driving licence.

Leisure interests

Webmaster for a literary society ( http://www.tolkiensociety.org ), skiing, reading, general science, amateur radio.