Hello, my name is

Aiman Ishmam

Professional headshot

About Me

Welcome to my portfolio! I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. My interests lie in embedded systems, digital design, hands-on prototyping of real-world electronic solutions, and FPGA development with SystemVerilog.

This portfolio showcases some of the technical projects that I have worked on, including hardware design, firmware development, and system-level integration. Each project reflects my commitment to learning through building, whether it is designing a reflow oven controller or working with microcontrollers to automate real-world processes. Feel free to explore the projects below!

2+
Years Experience
10+
Projects Completed

Work Experience

A journey through hands-on experience with UBC Sailbot, where I contributed to the design and development of advanced embedded systems for autonomous sailing vessels.

Electrical Communications Subteam Member

UBC Sailbot
Full-time
2023 - Present
Vancouver, BC

Working on the development of the electrical communication for Project Polaris, UBC Sailbot’s autonomous sailboat. Responsible for component selection, PCB design, and enclosure development to ensure system reliability in harsh marine environments.

Key Achievements:

  • Designed the Power Distribution Board (PDB) schematic and PCB layout in Altium Designer, reducing board size by 20% while meeting current and voltage specifications
  • Determined enclosure specifications for all Communications (COM) modules, achieving IP68 waterproofing and maintaining accessibility for maintenance
  • Collaborated with subteam members to ensure all electrical components met performance, reliability, and budget constraints

Technologies:

Altium DesignerSolidWorksCAN BusPCB Design

Featured Projects

A showcase of innovative PCB designs, digital systems, and embedded solutions that bridge the gap between hardware architecture and intelligent control.

VGA Datapath and Algorithm Design
Ongoing2025

VGA Datapath and Algorithm Design

Digital Systems Design

Developed a VGA graphics engine on an Intel DE1-SoC FPGA using SystemVerilog. Implemented hardware modules for pixel generation, datapath control, and shape rendering (circles and Reuleaux triangles) using the Bresenham algorithm, with real-time visualization on a VGA display.

Key Features:

  • Real-time pixel plotting and shape rendering on VGA display
  • Datapath and FSM-based control for efficient drawing algorithms
  • Comprehensive SystemVerilog testbenches for RTL and post-synthesis verification
SystemVerilogDE1-SoCQuartusModelSim
Simple Datapath and Controller: Baccarat
Completed2025

Simple Datapath and Controller: Baccarat

Digital Systems Design

Designed and implemented a digital Baccarat game on an Intel DE1-SoC FPGA using Verilog. The system leverages hardware modules for card generation, rule-based logic, and score evaluation, with real-time display output.

Key Features:

  • Real-time card dealing, score calculation, and outcome evaluation
  • FSM-based gameplay control with deterministic logic
  • Verilog testbenches ensuring functional correctness
SystemVerilogDE1-SoCQuartusModelSim
Remote Controlled Coin Picking Robot
Completed2025

Remote Controlled Coin Picking Robot

Embedded Systems

Built an autonomous coin-picking robot with metal detection, wireless control, and servo-driven collection mechanisms to detect, pick up, and count coins within a defined perimeter.

Key Features:

  • Colpitts oscillator for real-time coin detection
  • Ultrasonic + inductor circuit for boundary sensing
  • Servo-actuated electromagnet for coin collection
  • Autonomous or joystick-based manual operation via wireless
PIC32EFM8JDY-40 RF ModulesColpitts OscillatorUltrasonic SensorsServo Motors
Reflow Oven Controller
Completed2025

Reflow Oven Controller

Embedded Systems

Designed and implemented a reflow oven controller using a finite state machine (FSM) to regulate temperature profiles, improving PCB soldering precision.

Key Features:

  • FSM-based control of heating stages with thermocouple feedback
  • PWM + solid-state relay for precise temperature regulation
  • Safety shutoff and manual stop for reliability
  • Servo-driven oven door and LED state indicators for usability
PIC32 MicrocontrollerFinite State Machine (FSM) DesignPWM ControlSolid-State RelayThermocouple SensorServo MotorCooling Fan+6
ALU Datapath for Simple RISC Machine
Completed2024

ALU Datapath for Simple RISC Machine

Digital Systems Design

Designed and implemented a SystemVerilog datapath for a Simple RISC Machine, integrating register files, multiplexers, and an ALU to execute eight arithmetic and logical operations. Developed and validated three targeted testbenches, achieving a 100% pass rate against functional specifications. Deployed the design on a DE1-SoC FPGA, using a 7-segment display to showcase real-time computation results with zero runtime errors during demonstration.

Key Features:

  • Executes eight arithmetic and logic operations (ADD, SUB, AND, OR, etc.) in a Simple RISC Machine.
  • Integrates register files, multiplexers, and ALU into a functional datapath.
  • Displays real-time computation results on a 7-segment display.
  • Verified with testbenches for full functional compliance before FPGA deployment.
SystemVerilogDE1-SoCQuartusModelSim
Real-Time Speech Recognition System
Completed2025

Real-Time Speech Recognition System

PCB Design

Designed a Real-Time Speech Recognition System PCB using the INMP441 microphone for accurate sound capture, enabling seamless audio detection and processing in embedded applications.

Key Features:

  • Real-Time Recognition: STM32H750VBT6 processes audio for keyword and voice command detection.
  • High-Fidelity Input: INMP441 MEMS mic via I²S for clear audio capture.
  • USB-C Interface: Single port for power and data
STM32Altium DesignerUSB Type-C interface
PDB COM Module
Completed2025

PDB COM Module

PCB Design

Designed a PDB for a Nucleo-based system with integrated protection and biasing circuits, featuring a 12V-to-5V buck converter for efficient, reliable power delivery to multiple communication modules.

Key Features:

  • 12V-to-5V buck converter for efficient power delivery. TVS-diode protection circuit against overvoltage and undervoltage.
  • TVS-diode protection circuit against overvoltage and undervoltage.
  • Integrated CAN transceiver for reliable data exchange with external systems.
NUCLEOAltium Designer12V-to-5V Buck ConverterOvervoltage and Undervoltage Protection

Education & Skills

Strong academic foundation and ongoing exploration in embedded systems, digital design, and intelligent technologies.

Academic Background

Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering

University of British Columbia

2023 - 2027
Vancouver, BC

Comprehensive program covering both hardware and software aspects of computer systems. Built a strong foundation in digital design, computer architecture, and embedded systems, with hands-on experience in hardware description languages such as SystemVerilog, PCB design, and firmware development for microcontrollers.

Key Coursework
Embedded Systems DesignSignal ProcessingDigital Systems DesignElectronic Circuits+3 more

Technical Expertise

Programming Languages

C/C++PythonSystemVerilogAssemblyMATLAB

Electrical

Altium DesignerCircuit & PCB DesignSPI/I2C/UARTEmbedded Systems

Test & Measurement

OscilloscopeMultimeterSignal GeneratorPower Supply