Welcome to my home on the world wide web! I am a radio frequency (RF) engineer wandering the pale blue dot in search of the next interesting opportunity to learn. I help build systems that transmit and receive [radio waves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_wave). This requires a broad understanding across analog and digital domains and I can help develop performant and robust [signal processing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signal_processing) algorithms for your application. If you would like to contact me or collaborate on the building the next generation of radio frequency products, please send me a message on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/karanjayachandra) or write an email to `me{at}karanj{dot}com`.

![profile](profile.jpg)

## My journey

I am currently working on the next generation of automotive Radar systems for applications like adaptive cruise control and lane change assist at [NXP](https://www.nxp.com). I have developed algorithms and built signal processing chains to estimate radar target parameters across 3 generations of radar prototypes. I have performed end-to-end testing of the developed systems using cutting-edge lab equipment and validated its performance in outdoor scenarios. I lead the development of team infrastructure for verification and validation of RF systems. In this role, I have helped speed up and standardize the testing process across multiple teams and projects. Before this I worked as a software consultant for three years at [SAP](https://www.sap.com/india/index.html). As a consultant I worked with diverse teams both within India and globally and delivered successful projects across multiple domains. At my tenure in SAP, I learnt how to manage stakeholders and create value for my team and company. This lead to multiple awards in recognition of my contributions. As an intern at [DRDO](https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/organisations/ministry-and-departments/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo-govt-india/centre-artificial-intelligence-robotics-cair), I worked on a method of uniquely identify FPGA boards leveraging the randomness in silicon structure via ring oscillators.

My Alma mater includes [TU Delft](https://microelectronics.tudelft.nl/Education/bio.php?id=1176) and [Amrita University](https://www.amrita.edu/) from where I got my master's and bachelor's degrees in electrical engineer respectively. During my studies I have specialized in signal processing with a strong background in linear algebra, calculus, and probability and statistics. I have taken courses in antennas, electromagnetism, communication theory and much more.

## My skills

The problems facing the world are constantly evolving. Being a generalist in such a dynamic situation is as asset. I have therefore strived to create a broad skill set. I have a basic understanding of how to write good software and am well versed in python and MATLAB development. I have some experience in C programming to accelerate algorithms using DSP processors. I have worked with FPGAs in the past using VHDL for prototyping but require time to refresh my skills. I aim to upskill on circuit design as well. I also know a bit of web development as you can see via this [website](https://gitlab.com/KaranJayachandra/karanjayachandra.gitlab.io) and a hobby project of mine called [match up](https://gitlab.com/KaranJayachandra/match_up). Web development helps me create tools that can be shared across a wider audience such a team in my organization. I would like to learn Erlang for concurrent applications and OCaml for functional programming in the future. Attending conferences inspires me. I have attended [EuRAD 2024](https://ieee-aess.org/event/conference/2024-21st-european-radar-conference) in Paris and [IRC2023](https://ieee-aess.org/event/conference/2023-ieee-international-radar-conference) in Sydney. I speak English and have a A1+ certification in Dutch. I also speak four other Indian languages.

## About Me

> The one who plants trees, knowing he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life. - **Rabindranath Tagore**

I aim to be _competent_ to able to efficiently bring about change, and _Considerate_ to know what to change and to work well with others. I would like to leave the world a better place that I found it; Privilege is a fertile ground for entitlement. Being competent is _not easy_ but being considerate is [hard](https://www.theseedsofscience.pub/p/why-arent-smart-people-happier). My guiding principles in life are [rationalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationalism) and [humanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism). I believe in striving to push the boundaries of science as described wonderfully by [Matt Might](https://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures). But this push is matched by the need to innovate for a better future in more tangible way. I am always looking for new avenues to learn and grow in all aspect of life.

> The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. -- **St. Augustine**

I am a Tamilian born in Hyderabad and spent my childhood in a small town called BEML Nagar. I am naturally inquisitive, an unapologetic sceptic and have a thirst for knowledge. I enjoy sports, play [badminton](https://badmintonnederland.toernooi.nl/player-profile/e76309d9-12b4-403e-b57c-39765194dd04) twice a well and have an on-again, off-again relationship with running. I occasionally play snooker and regularly play chess on the wonderful [Lichess](https://lichess.org/@/KaranJayachandra) platform. I enjoy classic rock and hip-hop music. I am a self-taught campfire guitarist but hope to ditch the campfire adjective. I read both fiction and non-fiction titles when time permits. Authors that I like include Stephen King, John Grisham and Brandon Sanderson. I travel once or twice a year to explore different cultures and enjoy trying different cuisines. I live in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.