Analog IC · Mixed-Signal · FPGA · Embedded Firmware · Control Systems
Research intern at StarLabs, National University of Singapore — developing satellite ADCS hardware with FOC algorithms and embedded motor control firmware. Designs CMOS ICs on open PDKs (SKY130A, IHP SG13G2), builds FPGA digital logic, and writes register-level firmware on STM32. 3rd place globally, International Microelectronics Olympiad, Armenia 2025.
// about
I am a research intern at StarLabs, National University of Singapore, developing a smart reaction wheel controller for satellite ADCS. My work covers FOC algorithm implementation, sensor interfacing, and embedded motor control firmware on STM32.
Alongside this, I design analog and mixed-signal ICs — with tapeouts on SKY130A and IHP SG13G2 PDKs using Cadence, xschem, ngspice, and KLayout. I build FPGA digital logic in Verilog and write register-level firmware across STM32 and ARM Cortex platforms.
I am actively seeking a PhD position, Research Engineer role, or Custom IC Layout Engineer opportunity in analog IC design, photonic integrated circuits, or high-frequency systems — where I can push the boundaries of power-efficient silicon at the device and system level.
// technical expertise
CMOS circuit design using open-source and commercial PDKs — op-amps, PLLs, VCOs, charge pumps, PFDs, and SAR ADCs. Full flow from schematic and simulation to layout verification.
RTL design in Verilog targeting Intel/Altera FPGAs. Custom IP blocks (UART, cache architectures), FSM design, arithmetic pipelines, and hardware simulation in ModelSim.
Register-level and HAL-based C/C++ firmware on STM32 (F4, H7) and ESP32. Peripheral integration (SPI, UART, I2C, CAN, DMA), display drivers, real-time PID control, and encoder feedback loops.
Custom IC layout for analog and mixed-signal blocks — floor-planning, DRC/LVS verification, parasitic extraction, and post-layout simulation. Tapeout experience on both SKY130A and IHP SG13G2 PDKs.
PID, FOC (Field-Oriented Control), encoder-based speed/acceleration loops, and signal processing algorithms deployed in real-time on embedded hardware. MATLAB/Simulink for model-based design.
Interest and growing knowledge in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), optoelectronic system design, and the intersection of photonics with power-efficient analog control electronics.
// projects
8-bit SAR Core · SKY130
Designing a Noise-Shaping Successive Approximation Register (NS-SAR) Analog-to-Digital Converter optimized for highly power-efficient operation using the SkyWater SKY130 PDK and Cadence tools. Final year academic project targeting ultra-low-power IoT and biomedical sensing applications.
Block Diagram · IHP SG13G2
Designing a 2.4 GHz Type-II ΔΣ Fractional-N Phase-Locked Loop coupled with a Type-IV Cross-Coupled Differential LC Voltage-Controlled Oscillator for WiFi/Bluetooth applications. Developed using the IHP SG13G2 PDK for the UNIC-CASS program by IEEE CASS. Includes PFD and charge pump sub-blocks. Paper accepted at SMACD 2026.
A charge-pump Type-II PLL with fractional-N division using a ΔΣ modulator (DSM). A 10 MHz crystal oscillator drives the Phase-Frequency Detector (PFD), which compares the reference against the divided VCO output. The charge pump and passive loop filter generate the VCO control voltage, while the DSM dithers the integer divider to achieve fractional division ratios — enabling the output to lock anywhere in the 2.35–2.55 GHz band with N ≈ 240–248. A bandgap reference provides supply-independent biasing.
Paper accepted at SMACD 2026 (International Conference on Synthesis, Modelling, Analysis and Simulation Methods and Applications to Circuit Design) as part of the IEEE CASS UNIC-CASS open-source IC design programme.
IC Layout · SKY130A
Designed and submitted a single-ended (SE) two-stage CMOS operational amplifier for Tiny Tapeout fabrication on the SKY130 PDK. Achieved a 2 nA disable current, 4 MHz unity-gain bandwidth, and 80 dB open-loop gain. Schematic and layout developed in xschem, ngspice, and KLayout.
The amplifier uses a common-source input stage with an active current-mirror load, followed by a common-source second gain stage. A Miller compensation capacitor between the two stages ensures stability. An on-chip bias network derives both the reference and load currents from a single external Iref of 5 µA, making the design self-contained for tapeout. An EN pin pulls the quiescent current down to 2 nA in disable mode.
OBO Mouse v4 · RoboticGen
Led design and development of an open-source 4WD micromouse robot at RoboticGen, reaching 3 m/s (2× faster than the previous version). Custom STM32F405 PCB with DRV8833 motor drivers reduced board size by 40%. PID motion control with quadrature encoder and ICM-42688 IMU feedback for high-speed maze navigation.
OBO Mouse v4 is an open-source four-wheel differential drive micromouse designed for maze-solving competitions. The robot integrates closed-loop PID velocity control with quadrature encoder feedback, a gyroscope/IMU for heading correction, and IR sensors for wall detection. The chassis is lightweight and 3D-printable; the PCB consolidates all electronics into a compact 2-layer board designed in EasyEDA.
Fast run
Diagonal run
Fast crude run
Developing a smart reaction wheel controller prototype for satellite Attitude Determination and Control Systems at NUS StarLabs. Implementing advanced Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithms with sensor interfacing to drive and optimize BLDC motors.
End Effector · ATmega2560
Robotic end-effector using pneumatic actuation, vacuum suction cups, and an ATmega2560 controller with register-level firmware for precise real-time control. Time-of-Flight sensors enable angular alignment and adaptive handling of boxes of varying sizes in warehouse depalletizing environments.
A reconfigurable robotic end effector designed for automated depalletizing in supermarket warehouse logistics. The system combines vacuum suction cups for box lifting, pneumatic cylinders for lateral stabilization, and ToF sensors for real-time angular alignment — enabling the gripper to adapt to boxes of varying sizes and weights without manual reconfiguration. The Altium-designed PCB integrates RS485, UART, and SPI interfaces with solenoid switching and flyback protection on a 2-layer board.
Implemented a custom UART communication block on the DE0-Nano FPGA board in Verilog, configured for 9600 baud. Established serial communication with another FPGA running an identical block. Transmitter and receiver modules, simulation in ModelSim, and cross-board hardware validation.
View on GitHub →
CNC Milled · Homemade PCB
Built a home PCB prototyping workflow to enable rapid iteration during competitions and tight project schedules — eliminating the 1–2 week wait from overseas manufacturers. Bought and modified a small CNC machine for copper milling and explored UV mask + FeCl etching for finer trace requirements.
As an undergraduate in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering, I frequently needed quick-turn prototypes to test designs before finalizing them. Breadboards and dot boards don't cut it for SMD packages, complex routing, or sensitive analog circuits where parasitics from long wires introduce unwanted behaviour. Ordering from JLCPCB or PCBWay is ideal for final boards, but the 1–2 week turnaround and international shipping cost slowed rapid iteration — something I couldn't afford during competitions and tight project schedules.
Bought and modified a small CNC machine to accurately mill copper-clad boards. A single machine handles PCB milling, drilling vias and through-holes, and custom board outlines. Achieved trace widths down to 0.4 mm. No chemicals involved, fast turnaround, and ideal for single-layer prototypes. The main limitation is difficulty aligning two-layer boards and the need for regular bit calibration.
Used a UV-curable photoresist mask and ferric chloride to etch copper traces, achieving finer detail down to 0.2 mm trace widths — better suited to densely packed circuits. The trade-off is a more time-consuming process, chemical handling and disposal, and separate steps needed for drilling and board cutting.
Milling copper traces
Drilling through-holes
Board outline cutout
// achievements
20th Edition · Yerevan, Armenia · 20+ Countries
Secured 3rd place globally among 1,088 participants from 20+ countries including the USA, Germany, UAE, and Iran — competing as one of 34 selected finalists.
Selected as one of 34 finalists out of 1,088 participants across 20 countries to compete in the 20th Annual International Microelectronics Olympiad in Yerevan, Armenia. Competing alongside top students from the USA, Germany, UAE, Iran, and beyond, I was awarded the 3rd Place Prize — bringing the bronze medal home to Sri Lanka.
National Selection · International Microelectronics Olympiad
Won the national selection round for the International Microelectronics Olympiad by demonstrating strong knowledge in microelectronics and EDA software tools.
ITUM · Division of EETE
Built a differential-drive robot with STM32F411 achieving >0.7 m/s using advanced signal processing for line and pattern detection. First place in a highly competitive national robotics event.
Dextron 2024 is an inter-university robotics competition hosted by the NDT Robotic Club at ITUM. The Fast Line Follower event challenges teams to build the fastest robot to complete a marked track. The team won championship claiming the Rs. 100,000 prize.
Competition run — Dextron 2024
Uva Wellassa University · Dept. of Science & Technology
Designed and built a 6 kg combat robot (team Raspi Cap) with 300 W power, rotary weapon, and robotic arm — won 1st place against 55 teams in a race + cage fight format.
UWU Robot Battles 2.0 Death Race combined a high-speed obstacle course race with a cage fight final where all finalists battled simultaneously until one remained. Team Raspi Cap claimed the champion trophy and LKR 120,000 prize against 55 teams.
Race track
Bridge obstacle
The fire
RoboticGen · 2025
OBO Mouse v4 — STM32F405-powered open-source micromouse reaching 3 m/s with PID velocity control and quadrature encoder feedback — claimed 1st place at Robofest 2025.
OBO Mouse v4 is a fully open-source 4WD differential drive micromouse developed at RoboticGen. The robot uses STM32F405 with dual DRV8833 motor drivers, quadrature encoder feedback, a gyroscope for heading correction, and IR sensors for maze wall detection — winning 1st place at Robofest 2025.
Fast run — Robofest 2025
Diagonal run
Test run
Electronic Club · University of Moratuwa
Mobile robot capable of box picking, color identification, and detecting arrow mark directions in a multi-task autonomous challenge.
University of Moratuwa · IESL · SLT-Mobitel
Vision-based robot capable of detecting, picking, and placing colored balls into designated targets with computer vision guidance.
2016 & 2017 · Northern Province Team
Represented and led the Northern Province team to gold medal victories at the national-level mathematics quiz competition in consecutive years.
// experience & education
Developing a smart reaction wheel controller prototype for satellite Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS). Implementing advanced Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithms and sensor interfacing to drive and optimize BLDC motors.
Designed a four-wheel drive system capable of reaching 3 m/s — twice the speed of the previous version — for an open-source micromouse. Created a STM32F405-powered PCB for motor control and system management, reducing PCB size by over 40%. Working on PID tuning and sensor integration for optimized robot movement.
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Cumulative GPA 3.77/4.0. Coursework: Analog & Digital Electronics, Signal Processing, Control Systems, Computer Architecture, Communication Systems, Embedded Systems Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms.
J/Hartley College, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. A/L 2021 in Combined Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry — Z-score 2.4978, Island rank 158th. G.C.E. O/L 2018 with 9As. Served as Senior Prefect.
Webmaster — University of Moratuwa Chapter. Managing digital presence and technical communications for analog/digital IC design events.
Dec 2025 – Present · 5 mosActive member contributing to technical and social initiatives. Photographer/videographer for Career Fair, AGM, and departmental events.
Jan 2025 – Present · 1 yr 4 mosVolunteer and coordinator transforming Northern Sri Lanka into an innovation hub. Grew school robotics competition from 25 to 50+ teams.
Jan 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 4 mos// contact
I am actively seeking a PhD position or Research Engineer role in analog and mixed-signal IC design, photonic integrated circuits, RF systems, or motor control systems — and am open to discussions with faculty running research groups in these areas.
For industry, I am interested in Custom IC / Analog Design Engineer roles at semiconductor companies working on CMOS, BiCMOS, or photonic process nodes. I bring hands-on tapeout experience on SKY130A and IHP SG13G2, from schematic to layout and simulation.
If you are a professor, research lab lead, or hiring engineer whose work intersects with these domains — I would welcome the opportunity to connect.
| Location | Singapore |
| Degree | B.Sc. Eng. (Hons.) · Electronic & Telecom · University of Moratuwa |
| GPA | 3.77 / 4.0 · Dean's List |
| Tapeouts | SKY130A (2×) · IHP SG13G2 |
| Seeking | PhD · Research Eng. · Analog IC Design Role |
| Domains | Analog & Mixed-Signal IC · Photonics · RF · FPGA · Motor Control |
| Languages | English · Tamil |
