YCD – Young Circuit Designs

Mezmeriz, Inc. (www.Mezmeriz.com)

Mezmeriz is an Ithaca, NY based start-up that manufactures pico-projector modules that can be embedded within mobile devices.

YCD designed circuitry relating to the sensing and controlling of MEMs devices for Mezmeriz.  This work went beyond circuit design to include MEMs design, magnetic drive systems, and optics design.  The company is currently working to develop the next generation pico-projector prototype which will not only include significant improvements, but also be a fraction of the size.

Voltaic Systems, Inc. (www.VoltaicSystems.com)

Voltaic Systems is a NYC-based start-up making products that produce and store their own power to run electronics anywhere.  Their most well-known products are backpacks that have durable solar panels integrated to power mobile devices.

YCD works with Voltaic Systems by designing, prototyping, and testing new product ideas.  YCD also helps Voltaic find, characterize, and solve circuit issues of existing products.   Dave’s remote location in Denver makes for some excellent solar testing opportunities!

Tremont Electric, Inc. (www.nPowerPEG.com)

Tremont Electric is an alternative energy start-up based in Cleveland, OH that focuses on kinetic energy harvesting.

Dave began work for Tremont by defining the electrical system required to charge a Li-Poly battery from the kinetic energy harvested by Tremont’s patented nPower technology as the user walks or runs.  After the initial investigation he was brought on full-time to lead 2 design consultants to take the concept to production.  The team tackled the electrical design, firmware design, supply chain problems, contract manufacture, prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and after only 8 months the design went into production.   Currently, Dave fills a consulting role to help maintain the firmware and circuit.

Element14 (www.Element14.com)

Element14 (Previously NewarkInOne) is a electronics component distributor serving engineers and manufacturers around the world. 

Within the last year, Element14 has created a dynamic community site for electrical engineers to keep up on news, follow industry trends, and foster community relating to the design of electronics.  In addition to being a member of the community, Dave is a regular contributor to their ‘News‘ section with articles on relating to design, education, and the business of being an engineer.  They can be read here, but are also noted on this website’s blog.

BlueStamp, LLC (www.BlueStampEngineering.com)

BlueStamp Engineering is a summer enrichment program designed to give motivated, passionate students with an interest in engineering an insight into what it is like to be an engineer.  Each student selects a project they love and spends 6 weeks in the summer immersed in building, testing, and improving upon the design while learning about engineering and entrepreneurship.

Dave is a proud Co-Founder of the BlueStamp Engineering program and created it to generate more engineers who are excited to accept the task of taking something that should work, and make something that does work.   Most of Dave’s work with BlueStamp relates to curriculum/project development, staffing, enrollment, and instruction.

Replay For Kids (www.ReplayForKids.org)

Replay for kids is a non-profit that modifies toys for children with cognitive disabilities thanks to time donated by university students, alumni, and local businesses.

YCD helped Replay define some specific electronics that would make modifying a wider variety of toys possible through some custom circuitry.  Once defined, YCD has created the schematics and is now laying out two boards and writing firmware for an MSP430-based solution.