Skillset & Portfolio

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This is the Power Hookah today. But it started from very humble beginnings, on good old ‘bread-board’ in fact, with a simple Teensy Arduino-compatible, thermocouple amplifier, and MOSFET switch. It allowed my client to get a basic proof of concept into physical form.

Version 1 - Bring-Up

After that successful first step we proceeded to a proper PCB, incorporating a TI bq246xx Li-Ion battery recharge controller, Atmel ATtiny MCU, and formalisation of the breadboard prototype circuitry.

Version 1 - Product Direction

Version 1 had only 1 error that was easily fixed, and allowed the client to experiment and then settle on major product design and form-factor decisions, with a full-functioning PCB that allowed the firmware to mature significantly.

Version 2 - Solidifying The Design

Version 2 added new features requested by the client, a more capable MCU, and was an opportunity to evaluate much cheaper MOSFETs. Eight prototypes of Version 2 were hand-soldered by me, from the simplest through-hole components to a DFN using a pre-heater, heat-gun and solder paste - I’m very comfortable with hands-on assembly, and general mechanical shenanigans.

Version 2 - More Firmware

With more features comes the need for more Flash firmware space, afforded by the larger ATmega MCU on Version 2. This was the stage where we discovered the need to simulate the multiple variables of a natural process with much more fidelity than we’d previously been attempting.
We also confirmed that the MCU’s RC-oscillator clock provided adequte accuracy and avoid the cost of an external crystal oscillator.

Version 2 - On The Path

Version 2 provided ample opportunity for overall product development, firmware development, and long-term testing of the design in several prototypes used for extensive focus group feedback.

Version 3 - New Features

The client required 2 additional thermocouple inputs (provided by the addition of an analog mux), but no other hardware changes, although firmware development continues presently, and the product is approaching manufacturing stage.