Jacob Bayless
Consulting Inc
Capabilities
Solving technical problems with precision.
Technical challenges are boundlessly diverse,
but their solutions have a lot in common.
Here are some of the ways that I can help you,
regardless of the nature of your challenge.
Project management
It's common wisdom that schedule overruns are unavoidable, but I don't agree. Schedules can be achieved if they start with realistic estimates, and more importantly, due respect for uncertainty.
Projects are a lot like fractals: it's impossible to see all the details from a high-level view. I can help you account for that.
-
Planning, estimation, and scheduling
-
Risk management
-
Breaking down complex goals into modules and tasks
-
Planning for iteration
-
Cost analysis & NPV estimation
-
Bayesian probabilistic forecasting and decisionmaking
-
PERT & GERT methods
Software, automation, & data analysis
Python is my preferred tool for handling most tasks and calculations.
A Python script distills one's thought process into a explicit and reproducible form.
-
Python / Conda, C++
-
Project organization: version control, etc
-
Testing
-
Documentation
-
numpy, sympy, pandas, matplotlib, networkx, pytest, sphinx, etc
-
Scripting
-
Numerical & symbolic optimization
-
Modeling, simulation, and system identification
-
Bode plots, Nyquist plots, etc
-
Step & impulse response
-
Sensitivity analysis
-
Signal flow graph & network analysis
-
Laplace domain and Z-domain analysis
-
Automatic controller tuning
-
Plotting & data visualization
-
Firmware
I can help you implement or improve your process with high-performance digital control.
-
Embedded C & C++ programming
-
MISRA compliance
-
Project documentation & organization
-
ARM, MSP430, C2000, etc
-
ADC, DAC, PWM peripheral configuration
-
Data IO: SPI, I2C, UART serial, RS-232, etc
-
DSP programming
-
Real-time digital control loops
-
PI, PD, PID, feedforward, etc
-
Fast, accurate IIR & FIR filter implementation
-
Anti-aliasing filters
-
Fixed point and floating point optimization
-
Numerical error minimization & robustness
-
Mixed sampling rates
-
Integrator saturation and anti-windup
-
Phase-locked loops
-
Adaptive feedforward cancellation
-
Field-oriented motor control
-
Space-vector modulation
-
Electronics development and testing
Close attention to noise filtering and parasitics can make all the difference in a high-performance system.
-
Power electronics
-
DC-DC converters
-
H-bridges
-
Three-phase inverters
-
Current & voltage sensing
-
Motor controls
-
Gate drivers
-
-
Differential signalling
-
AC & DC coupling
-
Transmission lines
-
Low-power design & leakage current analysis
-
Discrete transistor designs: MOSFET, JFET, BJT, etc
-
Negative-resistance circuits
- Analogue controls, active filters, & amplifiers
- Op-amps, instrumentation amps, differential amps
-
Impedance matching
-
Solar energy & MPPT tracking
-
Battery management
-
Schematic design and PCB layout with Horizon EDA
-
Testing and measurement assistance
-
Prototyping and small-scale assembly
Motors & Actuators
I have particular experience with electromagnetic machines. Whether it's selecting the right motor winding from a manufacturer's catalogue, or designing a new motor from scratch for your niche application, I'm here to help.
-
Magnetic circuit analysis
-
Permanent magnet devices
-
BLDC motors
-
Switched reluctance machines
-
Stepper motors
-
Servomotors
-
Linear motors
-
Voice coil motors / Lorentz actuators
-
Reluctance actuators
-
Lamination design
-
Loss analysis
-
Efficiency testing
-
Noise reduction
Sensors & Feedback
If a process can be measured, it can be controlled. The key to a good feedback system starts with a good sensor, with a bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio appropriate to the task. Whether you're developing a novel sensor technology or looking to get better performance with an off-the-shelf solution, I can help.
-
Direct & remote temperature sensing
-
Optical sensing
-
Photodiode & split-diode
-
Laser interferometry
-
Moire interferometry
-
-
Resistance measurement
-
Kelvin & wheatstone bridge
-
Resistive strain measurement
-
-
Capacitive & inductive sensing
-
Position sensing
-
Drift compensation / auto-nulling
-
Back-EMF based estimation
Mechanical design
With mechanical components more than anything else, your available options will depend strongly on your production scale. But whether a simple spot-welded enclosure or a fully-actuated robot, mechanical design always offers an opportunity for a mix of creativity and disciplined analysis that can cut costs and improve performance.
-
CAD/CAM: SolidWorks, FreeCAD
-
Drafting
- Rapid prototyping
-
Design for manufacturing (DFM)
-
Materials selection
-
Accuracy and repeatability measurement
-
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
-
Strength & stiffness optimization
-
Vibration isolation & dampening
-
Sheet metal design
-
Kinematic design
-
Precision machine design
-
Thermocentric design
-
Flexures