I started developing electronics to produce signal processing boxes for laboratory instruments. I've created small-signal current sense amplifiers and high voltage isolator op-amp circuits for langmuir probes and retarding field analyzers (RFAs) as part of my job. I've also created circuitboards as a hobby. I use Kicad v5 for personal projects, and Osh-Park for small circuit runs. I have a Siglent 1104XE O-scope, signal generators, power supplys, a hot air-rework station, and other supplies to populate small-run circuitboards.
I can solder and desolder 0805 and SOIC scale surface mount parts. Smaller pin pitches are more difficult.
Some of the things I've made:
- 10000 Ohm gain, 150kHz bandwidth current sense amplifier with 500V isolation between the input and output.
- Arduino drivers for rotary encoders and 7-segment displays
- Analog -> digital-over-fiber -> analog signal relay for transmission of analog signals in a high EMP noise environment.
- Switched mode power board for digital electronics projects
Sample Projects:
Power Board
This is a simple example circuitboard that I created to power some of my projects. It has pins for solderless breadboard input, and can be powered by a 9V wall-wart or batteries. The Kicad project can be downloaded below: It's free to use.