Robert Abrant, Msee, P.E. Email & Phone Number

Member of the FOG scrum team designing complex fiber optic gyroscopes used in precision navigation and satellite communication systems. Primary responsibilities include DSP, FPGA, and embedded system design.

Franklin Park, Il

As part of the system architecture group, explore advanced engineering and new technologies for a range of electromechanical fitness equipment. Created PCB and system design guidelines for EMC (ESD, EMI) compliance. Wrote embedded C code for microcontrollers to interface with sensors over SPI and I2C. Created hardware and firmware block diagrams for implementation of isokinetic mode for an exercise bike, and permanent magnet synchronous motor control for a treadmill. Assist in troubleshooting and system debug as design and production problems arise.

As Consulting Engineer, assembled customer feature requests, examined technical feasibility and risk, and authored detailed requirement documents and engineering specifications for a diverse client base. Designed analog, digital and electromechanical circuits, FPGAs, microcontrollers, real-time embedded firmware, PLCs, PCBs, and HMI/UIs for proof-of-concept prototypes to complete products.> Designed microcontroller hardware and real-time embedded firmware with assembly, C, and Linux.> Developed analog and digital circuits, captured schematics, and performed multilayer PCB layout.> Designed VHDL/Verilog modules and testbenches for FPGAs, simulated and verified functional operation, analyzed timing, and verified performance through lab testing.> Architected and designed automated test hardware and real-time firmware employing embedded Linux on ARM based single board computer.> Performed worst case analysis, generated DFMEAs, verified designs against customer specifications, performed forensic analysis of field failures, and identified root causes.> Enumerated IP and coordinated patent filing. Altium, Cadence, Mentor Graphics, ModelSim, Multisim, Mathcad, SPICE, LabVIEW

Taught a series of embedded systems and real time programming courses for Northrop Grumman as part of the UCI Extension program. Course topics included 8 and 32 bit microcontrollers, assembly language, RTOS, Linux, and hard and soft real time programming constraints.

To help increase interest in STEM, I usually teach one course each semester in Electronics or Electromechanics. Over the last 5 years I've prepared and taught courses in electronic circuits; photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind power renewable energy; green energy systems covering building materials, efficiency, location, design and financial analysis; PLCs, including Allen-Bradley MicroLogix ladder diagrams; PCB schematic capture, layout and fabrication; and industrial controls.

Originated three patent disclosures while working as Mobile TV Architect with a multicultural international team to define, design and launch a complete world-class mobile TV mixed-signal SOC for low-power handheld devices. Designed and simulated Verilog ASIC modules from specifications and MATLAB models. Saved 30% of lifetime licensing fees specifying 3rd party IP and negotiating vendor contracts, Developed strategic transglobal business partner relationships and pulled projected revenue forward by more than one year by identifying new use cases and sales opportunities.

Specified, designed, tested and documented complex hardware and software systems, ASICs, FPGAs, PCBs, and real-time embedded firmware meeting challenging engineering, manufacturing, cost and schedule objectives. Converted circuit schematics to VHDL, specified and designed autonomous data acquisition and control logic, created symbolic graphical user interfaces (GUI/HMI), and performed forensic analysis to determine the cause of electrical failures in the field.

As Senior System Architect, performed all aspects of mixed-signal ASIC design including schematics, VHDL, C models, test benches, simulation, synthesis, STA, timing closure, place and route, DRC, LVS, verification, and field validation. Optimized architectures and designs within performance, cost, speed, area, and power constraints. Led technology center ISO 9000 quality process and internal and external certification audits. Awarded “Outstanding Technology Center Engineer” at the VLSI worldwide technology conference.

Msee, Bsee, Electrical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Eta Kappa Nu, IEEE

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