Services

Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE)

Simple and clean user interfaces are the company trademark.  From basic, simple level-shifting signal interfaces and host application software to larger, rack-mounted systems with custom software and GUIs (graphics user interface), analog and system design experience is carried over into the EGSE design.  Combinations of GPIB, RS232, RS422, analog/digital I/O expansion boards, local area networks, and custom interfaces may be used to meet test requirements.  Experience with both NI LabView and LabWindows is incorporated into test program development.  Most EGSE designs include analog I/O, digital I/O, power switching, and data reporting/time tagging.  EGSE designs range from simple applications for an instrument with a single high-speed parallel data interface and data display/logging program, to more complicated rack-mount systems that include hundreds of voltage, temperature, and power control channels.

Worst-Case Analysis

The principal engineer takes your analog circuit schematic, parts list, and environmental specifications, and creates circuit models for simulation.  He then performs a sensitivity analysis. Extreme value circuit response for DC, transient, frequency, and noise is then examined.  A report is generated listing nominal, minimum, and maximum responses.  Out-of-specification response is noted and suggested fixes are included in the report.

Electronics Design

Walter Lockhart is an expert in high-speed, low-noise analog electronics design for space science and space system applications.  He has an in-depth knowledge of charge-sensitive amplifier/anode electronics principals and holds a patent for a time-to-digital converter circuit.  VHDL programming for FPGA (field programmable logic array) design, and embedded systems design using 80196 and 8051 micro controllers are also included in his skills base.  With a background in power electronics from both the commercial (business computers) and flight electronics areas, he can also consult on power switching and conversion topics.