electronics

UPDATE: I have been awarded the PLATINUM AWARD by EXSCITEC (Notified on 30 July).

Hi, This page was "inspired" by my Electronics teacher Mr. Harvey (what a Genius!) after surprising him with my working prototype of a Data logger.

Anyways, I'll tell you about my projects and my interests in Electronics.

When it comes to choosing a project i always aim higher than standard. For example in GCSE I opted to make a Portable Weather station when everyone else in my class made a dice or stopwatch. Then the Grade i got didn't matter to me much, but once AS level came it mattered a whole lot more. I chose to do a stopwatch. But note that the examination board I study did not allow the use of any Microcontrollers (Processors) or 555 Timer IC. I had to use discrete components only, which was a pain. Then came the A2 level coursework. This time uP were allowed but only if it was necessary and no other alternative existed. I made a Datalogger complete with a Analogue to Digital Converter made from discrete components. The specs were simple: 1analogue input, Record raw data to RAM/EEPROM and send it to a PC using serial or USB.

The following are my courseworks through GCSE to A level.

GCSE - Weather Station (doc not available as this was done on A3 paper)

AS-Level - Digital Stopwatch (PDF)

A2-Level - Datalogger with high speed PC interface (PDF)

Summary of most of the projects i have done (IET info):[doc]

In the Industry:

During year 12 I gained some industrial experience of solving a current issue in the civil engineering industry. I took part in the Engineering Education Scheme. I was part of a four man team trying to solve the issue of hand arm vibration exposure caused by the use of hand tools on a construction site. This exposure can lead to a medical condition called the white finger syndrome, whereby the sufferer loses all sensitivity in their fingers. We had the task of monitoring the worker’s daily exposure and warn against the approach to dangerous limits. I was assigned the task of developing the circuit and pseudo logic for the programming. The challenge was to use the most efficient and smallest components as this had to be hands free and not interfere with the worker’s performance. Through this scheme I learnt quite a few things. Time management skills were useful but had to improve them to meet the demands and deadlines of the industry; I also learnt to work under pressure and still produce good results.

Full report (PDF) The full report contains blank pages at the end for Gantt charts and Meeting minutes. the Gantt charts(MPP) are available separately.

Examiner responses: [Chart] [Written Feedback].

Condensed report (PDF) This report was entered for the Platinum award and has successfully been granted the award!!!

Work Experience:

Had 2 day work experience at CRDM (Centre for Rapid Design and Manufacture). Use of proEngineer and some Hands on at Prototyping. Feedback form from CRDM: [CRDM feedback]

Here is my electronics' teacher's recommendation:

"I have taught Atharva for 4 years and seen him through his GCSE Systems and Control Technology and AS/A2 Electronics courses. I have always found him to be diligent, conscientious and determined. He has a developed an excellent knowledge of Electronics which he has applied to produce successful coursework projects of complexity beyond that required by the exam boards. He has always asked questions to deepen his understanding of Electronics and often challenge my own knowledge!

In Yr12 I mentored Atharva as part of a 4 man team in the Engineering Education Scheme. Throughout this scheme he has demonstrated that he is a strong team player and he has gained a Gold Crest Award for his participation. The scheme judges and their link company Edmund Nuttall were so impressed with their outcome that they are currently being assessed for a Platinum Crest award. Atharva has had a pivotal role in ensuring that the team's project will meet the Crest Scheme requirements for this prestigious award.

I have taught many students and I would put Atharva in the top 5% in terms of ability, application and determination. "

Any Suggestions (incl. Project titles, improvements, etc.) are welcome regarding any content. Please submit these through the Feedback form.

Thanks