Lynn, MA 01904

(410)775-1325

dave@pfaltz.com

Versatile design engineer with extensive experience in hardware and software systems and integration. Implementations range from single microprocessor embedded applications to multi-node networked systems. Special considerations include hardware redundancy, database integration and user interfaces. Good organizational and communications skills. Managed diverse teams resulting in successful products and implementations. Excellent documentation skills addressing both technical and non-technical audiences.

Languages

Assembler for PDP-8, PDP-10, PDP-11, IBM-360, 8080/5, 8051, Z80, 64180, Bit slice
Fortran, BASIC, FOCAL, PL/M, Pascal, C, C++, Java, Perl, Javascript, Tcl/Tk

Operating Systems

Many proprietary, DOS, QNX, Windows, Linux including m CLinux, and FreeTOS

Other software experience

PostgreSQL, MSAccess and FoxBase databases

Proficient in MSWord, Excel, MSVisual C/C++, Borland C/C++ and GNU tools

Hardware Architectures

PDP-11 UNIBUS, LSI-11 Q-BUS, Multibus I, PC ISA and PCI buses
8080, 8085, Z80, 64180, 8051, 80188/6, 68EN360
RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, Ethernet
DMA Master, Interrupt
Microchip PIC18, PIC24
ARM TI and NXP(Freescale)

Pitchfork Solutions (2002 to present)

See the primary web site at Pitchfork Solutions. In this capacity, I have continued to provide hardware and software design services to a wide variety of clients.

Patapsco Designs, Inc., Frederick, MD (1984 - 2002)

Patapsco Designs provided custom electronics design and manufacturing services. The services provided for any particular project would be customized to the client's need. Thus, any specific project could involve hardware design, software design, and manufacturing, or any combination.

Staff Engineer (1998 - 2002)

• Responsible for hardware and software design for systems ranging from microprocessor based embedded controllers using proprietary OS as well as mCLinux to process control systems based on DOS and Linux.
• Embedded hardware designs based on Intel 80188, Motorola 68EN306, and Coldfire 5272 processors. Several designs were also based on the Intel 8051 and derivative microcontrollers. Some applications utilized standard PC technology.
• Software designs were in assembler, C/C++, Perl, Javascript, or Tcl/Tk as appropriate for the application.
• Networking with IP was an integral part of many efforts. TCP/IP and UDP/IP code was written for both Client and Server applications.
• Many designs interfaced to databases such as Microsoft Access or PostgreSQL.
• HTML has been used to define the user interface.

IT Manager (1992 - 1998)

• Managed a team of three and grew the company PC usage from 5 PCs to over 120 PCs including servers.
• Implemented first PC based database program to support Purchasing and Inventory functions.
• Transitioned the company to a full MRP system utilizing client/server technology.
• Responsible for implementing in-house e-mail system and later providing full internet connectivity.

Design Engineer (1984 - 1992)

• Responsible for both hardware and software designs for embedded systems. The majority of the design effort was for the Zilog Z80 and Intel 8051 (or derivative) processors. Other architectures such as bit-slice designs were used as appropriate.
• Software was written in assembly language or C as appropriate for the specific processor.
• Most designs involved serial protocols (RS-232, RS-485, etc.) as well as process control and data collection.
• Implemented a fully redundant monitoring and control system that ran without incident.

Frederick Community College, Frederick, MD (1991 - 1992)

• Taught basic physics. This required the ability to teach algebra and geometry to students who were non-majors.

Digital Systems, Walkersville, MD (1982)

• This was an attempt to move into new areas. For various reasons, it didn't work out.

Frederick Electronics Corporation, Frederick, MD (1974 - 1984)

Frederick Electronics Corporation specialized in Telex switches which were sold internationally.

Staff Engineer (1976 - 1984)

• Involved in research on both packet switching and high speed circuit switched data.
• Principle engineer for the ELTEX IV, a TDM based switch handling both data and voice.
• A member of the ELTEX design team working in both hardware and software.

Instructor (1974 - 1976)

• Established a customer training program to provide the customers with information, background and experience to maintain both the hardware and software aspects of their systems.
• Designed and produced customer oriented documentation.

Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA (1970 - 1974)

• Instructed all levels of the undergraduate physics curricula - both majors and non-majors.
• Directed the laboratory efforts including procedure writing and lab evaluations.
• Instrumental in making computing services available to students.

BS, Physics, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA

MS, Physics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

MS, Computer Science, Hood College, Frederick, MD