Robert James Dunlop

Education:	BSc (Hons) Computers and Cybernetics (2.1) University of Kent at Canterbury
Location:	North Hampshire
Marital status:	Married. No children
Nationality:	British
Other:	Non-smoker Clean driving licence
Email:	bob.dunlop@xyzzy.org.uk

A hands-on software engineer with network, embedded and Unix/Linux kernel experience. Strong hardware skills also allow him to make a significant contribution to hardware designs. Small company experience has given him a self motivated flexible approach.

Guralp produce seismometers and other scientific equipment. I'm employed mainly in the development of the ARM based communications and control systems, at both the Linux kernel level with new device drivers, and at the applications level with user interfaces and cryptographic support.

Oobla were developing a Linux based consumer product. Work for them included:

• Enabling MPEG hardware acceleration on leading edge VIA chipsets.
• Modification of kernel graphics drivers to enable kexec operation.
• Working with ISO7816 smart cards including xdm modifications to allow use for login and other functions. Several patches have been contributed/accepted into related open source projects.
• Producing a cryptographically protected automatic software distribution and updates system.
• CGI scripting in Perl

Onelan develop Linux based products for the Digital Signage market. I worked on all aspects of product development from platform selection, hardware design review, Linux kernel porting, device driver development, XML interface design and embedded applications development.

• Worked with existing and prospective clients preparing modified specifications and even new designs to meet requirements for new deployments.
• Used Python, Perl and eXtreme Programing techniques for rapid prototyping and deployment.
• Designed and implemented a networked control and reporting system using an extensible XML command set.
• Produced from scratch an XML based program scheduler and a MPEG play engine operating from disk and IP multicast media sources.
• Porting and tuning of satellite based media delivery systems.

Self driven and working mainly alone I produced Linux device drivers and interface code for several of Farsite's X.25 and synchronous communications cards.

• I was instrumental in getting Farsite's device driver included in the standard Linux kernel.
• Provided corrective patch to Linux PPP stack, also included in standard kernel.
• Produced X.25 drivers for Smoothwall firewalls (prototyped but not adopted due to commercial issues).

I founded Chase Research together with the ex-Managing Director of Chase Systems. Chase developed products for the emerging PC Unix market place and later for the Internet.

Initially I was responsible for all aspects of the first intelligent serial card design, including both hardware and all software and firmware. These cards became a company mainstay through four generations of product.

As the company grew in size personnel and routine management was diverted to other professionals allowing me to concentrate on strategic and tactical technical development. This matrix managed environment demanded considerable flexibility and I filled many different roles over time.

• Development of iAPX186 firmware including custom multi-tasking packages in C and assembler.
• Development of numerous PC Unix (Xenix/AT&T SysV/BSD/...) device drivers.
• I worked on the development of a Motorola QUICC 360 based product line both as system architect and as a developer including authoring: Embedded web server, HTML generator, RIPv2 routing engine, DHCP configuration, bootstrap, user and manufacturing diagnostics.
• Support of development systems including bug fixing cross compilers (gcc) and adapting source code control systems (CVS) to company needs.
• Liaison with internal and external customers over functional requirements and specifications.
• Third line customer support.
• Support of marketing in both pre- and post-sales roles.
• Support of internal administrative systems.
• Introduction of ISO9000 including full coverage of R&D.

When sold to new owners in early 2000 the company had an annual turnover in excess of ten million pounds and employed nearly 70 people in four countries.

Chase Systems was a startup developing a Motorola 68000 based Unix computer for the small office environment.

• I produced firmware for the Intel iAPX186 based I/O system.
• Assisted in and verified acceptance of Logica Xenix port.
• Support of applications porting.
• Pre- and post-sales customer support.

Chase Systems ceased trading in early 1986 due to changing market conditions. The company closure was a very useful learning experience.

EMI provided an apprenticeship and sponsored my university course.

• Hardware engineer on radar and thermal imaging systems.
• Software engineering in the electro-optics department.

Whilst having used many programming languages including Algol, C++, Pascal, PLM/86 and Ada, primary skills have to be 25 years of embedded C programming together with Intel and Motorola assemblers.

Target operating systems have included Unix/Linux, RTOSs such as AMX and QNX and even home built multi-tasking packages.

Unix skills include administrative work from Apache setup to Sendmail configuration. Development work using many scripting/prototyping languages and tools from AWK to YACC by way of Bash, Python, Perl, LaTeX, Postscript and HTML. Developments have been contributed to both BSD and Linux kernels.

During a recent career break I successfully undertook a second level Geology course with the Open University including associated summer schools and field work. I also took the chance to work on an archaeological dig.

Other interests include:

• Working as a trained pyrotechnician on both public and private fireworks displays.
• Clay pigeon shooting.
• 4x4 driving and skills trialling.
• Community lane clearance projects.
• I'm an active member of the Hampshire Linux User Group and help other members with problems from kernel configuration to XHTML/CSS development.
• Small PIC programming and construction projects.