And we are back with another EngineerZone’s Get-to-Know-You Session, where we spotlight incredible members who make this community thrive. This week, we’re thrilled to introduce ijaz, Muhammad Ijaz, a dedicated member whose expertise and contribution significantly enrich EngineerZone. In this engaging video, you’ll learn about Muhammad’s journey, passions, and perspectives through thoughtful questions—and don’t miss the fun rapid-fire round at the end! Did you miss our last session with Anne Mahaffey? Catch up here.
The Thrill of FPGA and Radar Signal Processing
Muhammad's passion project is implementing radar signal processing on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A Task that merges digital signal processing (DSP), real-time applications, and defense communication systems. The challenge of improving real-time performance while managing high-speed data motivates him. For Muhammad, it's not just about the technology but the significant impact these projects have on defense and communication systems.
About
Muhammad's journey is a natural progression, driven by a deep fascination with how things work at the hardware level. A key moment in his career was putting a digital filter in an FPGA for the first time. He saw how theoretical ideas became real. This experience ignited his passion for FPGA engineering and set him on the path of DSP and communications, a field that continues to inspire him.
How was He Inspired to be an Engineer?
Programming sparked Muhammad's passion for engineering. He loves the ability to solve real-world problems with code. FPGA technology is an excellent tool for real-world use. The real-time capabilities of FPGA programming are revolutionary for him, leading him to specialize in this field. The combination of programming and hardware design is the cornerstone of his career.
The Drone Jammer
One of Muhammad's proudest achievements is designing a drone jammer at his previous company. His role involved implementing FPGAs and creating the user interface. The project's success in effectively disabling drones in the field was an exhilarating experience. The complexity of the signal processing required made the project even more rewarding, significantly boosting his confidence in his field. Muhammad thrives on projects that have tangible, real-world results and push the boundaries of technology.
A Vision for Space Exploration
If Muhammad had all the money and time, he would make a new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system for Earth observation and space exploration. This system would integrate radar, FPGA, and artificial intelligence to create a revolutionary technology.
Fun Fact
While known for his engineering expertise. Did you know he is passionate about calligraphy? This artistic skill, particularly in English and Arabic, is a creative outlet. For Muhammad, creativity is not confined to the world of technology; it can be found in all disciplines.
Sharing Knowledge with the Next Generation
Before moving on to the next question, Muhammad shares more about calligraphy. In his free time, he enjoys practicing calligraphy on large canvases, finding a sense of satisfaction in this blend of art and science.
He is also committed to sharing his knowledge with others. He writes for The Engineering Mind on EngineerZone, discussing FPGA engineering, DSP, and signal processing. He aims to simplify the learning journey for the next generation of engineers by offering guidance and practical insights. Additionally, his YouTube channel reaches a broader audience, empowering those interested in engineering to delve deeper into the field. For Muhammad, teaching is a rewarding extension of his passion for engineering.
Start with Real-World Projects
Muhammad's advice to aspiring engineers is straightforward: Start working on real-world projects. While formal education is essential, hands-on experience in building actual systems and solving practical problems builds confidence and expertise. Real-world projects accelerate learning and provide invaluable insights into how theory translates into application. For anyone serious about engineering, this approach is the key to success.
Rapid Fire
A rapid-fire round of questions designed to spark curiosity and interest.
Conclusion
Muhammad's journey as an engineer is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and a commitment to making meaningful contributions. He loves engineering and wants to share his knowledge. He has worked on radar signal processing on FPGAs and is considering advanced space technology. Whether through hands-on projects or his blog posts, Muhammad is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers. His story is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and real-world experience are the keys to a fulfilling career in engineering.