Andrew S Armstrong - BSc CEng Electronics Consultant

• c. 25 years as a consultant electronics designer
• 6 years experience as a consultant website 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
• Experienced with design for business, local government and the voluntary sector
• Commitment to universal design, ensuring that sites meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and meet users' needs
• Writes clear documentation in good English
• Can-do, proven ability to tackle problems
• Strongly motivated by the successful outcome of a project.

Work has included the following diverse tasks:

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 editorship of electronics publications. Technical consultancy for general and specialist electronics media.

Computer support, one to one training, network and software configuration, problem solving.

Skills:

Electronics

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), embedded systems, various electronics CAD systems including Orcad, Protel, EDWIN, KiCad. SMD layout and prototyping.

Website Design

Web designs which comply with standards for today’s technical and legal requirements. Working with the principles of universal design, ensurting that websites will meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, and will meet the competing needs of diverse users. Skills include DHTML, JavaScript, CSS2, Perl 5, Visual Basic 6, Paradox 10 and ObjectPAL.

ICT training

ICT training at client's sites. Helping clients to identify the learning outcomes they need, and providing ongoing learner support.

Website and print editing

Website and intranet editing. Magazine editing.

General

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

Recent work includes:

• Troubleshooting and design of electronic modules for Isotrak.com
• Design of power converters for Milpower Ltd.
• 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 specification was for a range of 20M. The units work and have passed approvals.
• Design of 700W power factor correcting pre-regulator, incorporating ZVT techniques, for a military 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.
• 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), and the International Webmasters Association.

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

Born 2 February 1954

No serious health troubles

Current passport and full clean driving licence (held since 1972).

Leisure interests

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