In 2024, River Sonic Solutions’ technical consulting backlog is large enough that there is little scope to take on new projects. With that said, we are open to discussing projects that are not time-critical.
What a technical consultant does
A technical consultant specializing in signal processing, electronics, and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) plays a multifaceted role in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications. In the field of signal processing, such consultants are tasked with developing algorithms and systems that efficiently process, analyze, and interpret data from various sources. This involves the application of mathematical models and techniques to enhance signal quality, extract meaningful information, and make data-driven decisions. Their work is crucial in industries ranging from telecommunications to healthcare, where the optimization of signal processing can lead to significant improvements in system performance, reliability, and user experience.
In electronics, technical consultants provide expertise in designing, testing, and implementing electronic circuits and systems. This encompasses a wide array of tasks including the development of new electronic devices, troubleshooting and improving existing technologies, and integrating electronic components into larger systems. Consultants in this area must keep abreast of the latest advancements in electronic design automation (EDA) tools, semiconductor technologies, and industry standards to deliver innovative solutions that meet client needs. Their role is critical in ensuring that electronic products achieve desired specifications such as power efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness, making them indispensable in the product development lifecycle.
In the sphere of MEMS, technical consultants navigate the complex landscape of tiny devices that merge mechanical and electrical components. They employ their expertise to design and produce MEMS devices, such as sensors, actuators, and microfluidic systems. This task requires an integrated approach, combining knowledge from materials science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering to develop devices capable of a broad range of functions at the microscale. Consultants in MEMS usually participate throughout the project’s lifespan, from the initial design concept to the final stages of manufacturing, working closely with clients to craft bespoke solutions for consumer electronics, automotive systems, and biomedical devices. Technology miniaturization via MEMS and companion ASICs regularly produce outsize returns in product size, weight, power, and cost.
The physics of ultrasound — sound waves with a frequency above the audible range — has been an enduring interest.
Ultrasound — sound waves with a frequency above the audible range — is widely used for medical imaging and surgery, as well as industrial/commercial applications. Read about a history of its development in medicine.
Our passion for ultrasound comes from its rich interaction with the media it travels through, and the ease with which beams of sound can be formed to solve practical problems.
MEMS are inspired by Richard Feynmann’s classic lecture, There’s plenty of room at the bottom. A classic paper on MEMS is Silicon as a mechanical material. MEMS transducers have sparked increasing interest in the past decade as they leverage the massive investments made in the semiconductor industry.
Frequently, ultrasound and MEMS require specialized microelectronics to fully exploit their application potential. We work with a network of partners to provide comprehensive solutions in these areas.
Our consultant, Dr. Chris Daft, is an Oxford Educated scientist with 30 years of professional practice and 3 years of university teaching whose areas of expertise include medical imaging, electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, sensors, MEMS, signal processing and image processing. Experience in industries/applications including medical devices, imaging, consumer electronics, biometric security, and electrical power delivery. His resume is available here.