Inez Alvarez

EECS Student & Hardware Engineer • UC Berkeley

About Me

I'm Inez, an EECS student at UC Berkeley with a passion for embedded systems, hardware debugging, and building hands-on projects that solve real-world problems. My work spans from low-level hardware design to system integration, with a focus on creating practical solutions through rigorous engineering and creative problem-solving.

My academic journey has been driven by curiosity about how things work at the fundamental level. Whether it's debugging complex hardware systems, designing efficient embedded solutions, or optimizing system performance, I thrive on the challenge of making technology work better.

Beyond academics, I'm deeply involved in hands-on projects that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. I believe the best learning happens when you're building something that matters, and I'm always looking for opportunities to collaborate on meaningful engineering challenges.

Projects & Experience

Space Technologies and Rocketry (STAR)

Fall 2023 - Present | University of California, Berkeley

Designed PCB schematics and layouts for avionics flight systems using Altium Designer, optimizing for high power efficiency and user-friendly integration. Developed and debugged systems firmware for ESP32 microcontrollers in C, implementing real-time control algorithms for mission-critical applications.

Conducted comprehensive functional testing and system validation using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and power measurement tools to refine avionics subsystems. Implemented robust communication protocols including LoRa and SPI for reliable sensor interfacing and data transmission in aerospace environments.

STAR Project Avionics PCB

Semiconductor Device and Analog Circuit Design

August 2024 - Present | Course-based Research

Working with MOSFET-based power circuits and control systems for inverters, focusing on high-efficiency power conversion. Designed and optimized analog integrated circuits, including amplifiers and filters, with emphasis on low-noise performance for precision applications.

Performed materials characterization and failure analysis on semiconductor components using SEM and profilometry techniques. Gained extensive hands-on experience with battery management systems and DC/DC power conversion specifically for aerospace applications, contributing to next-generation power system designs.

Semiconductor Circuit Design

Advanced RC Car - Embedded & Control Systems

September 2024 - November 2024 | Personal Project

Engineered and 3D printed a custom 1:10 Porsche-inspired chassis, making critical mechanical design decisions to optimize weight distribution, wheel alignment, and structural support for motor mounts and precision bearings.

Developed a custom PCB and embedded control system using ESP32, implementing PWM control for DC motors and servo steering. Integrated high-precision mechanical components including ball bearings to reduce friction and significantly increase handling precision and performance.

Custom RC Car Chassis

Catpanion - Smart Pet Monitoring System

Recent Project | Embedded Systems & PCB Designer

Designed and assembled a custom two-layer PCB for a comprehensive pet monitoring system integrating multiple analog/digital sensors with an ESP32 microcontroller. Developed embedded firmware in C++ for real-time data acquisition, display, and SD card logging of pet activity including food weight monitoring, litter box motion detection, and environmental temperature tracking.

Implemented sophisticated interfacing logic for I2C, SPI, and ADC peripherals, including load cell amplifier (HX711), OLED display, and SD card breakout board. Validated system functionality through oscilloscope testing, serial debug prints, and logic analyzers to ensure precise sensor timing and reliable SPI communication. Successfully transitioned from breadboard prototype to soldered final build, optimizing power delivery and connector routing for seamless enclosure integration.

Catpanion Pet Monitoring System

Mazda Miata - Electrical System & Embedded Retrofit

August 2023 - January 2024 | Personal Project

Retrofitted a 1990s Mazda Miata with a comprehensive custom-designed electronics suite for real-time performance monitoring and control. Integrated advanced sensor arrays for engine temperature, RPM, and GPS tracking using ESP32 microcontroller and CAN bus communication.

Built a fully functional OBD-II interface for real-time vehicle diagnostics with in-car data visualization. Designed custom PCB and wiring harness for seamless integration with existing automotive systems, and developed firmware for real-time data acquisition with wireless telemetry dashboard capabilities.

Miata Electronic Systems

Technical Skills

Programming Languages

  • C/C++ (Advanced)
  • Python (Advanced)
  • Verilog/SystemVerilog
  • Assembly (ARM, x86)
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • JavaScript/HTML/CSS

Hardware & Tools

  • FPGA Development (Xilinx, Altera)
  • PCB Design (Altium, KiCad)
  • Oscilloscopes & Logic Analyzers
  • JTAG Debugging
  • 3D Printing & CAD Design
  • Signal Generators

Systems & Platforms

  • Embedded Linux
  • Real-Time Operating Systems
  • ARM Cortex-M/A Series
  • ESP32/Arduino Ecosystem
  • Raspberry Pi
  • STM32 Development

Communication Protocols

  • I2C, SPI, UART
  • CAN Bus
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • LoRa/LoRaWAN
  • Ethernet/TCP-IP
  • USB Protocol Stack

Software & Simulation

  • Git Version Control
  • Docker Containerization
  • SPICE Circuit Simulation
  • Vivado Design Suite
  • ModelSim/QuestaSim
  • Linux System Administration

Design & Analysis

  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Control Systems Design
  • Power Electronics
  • RF Circuit Design
  • System Architecture
  • Performance Optimization

Get In Touch

Interested in collaborating on embedded systems projects, discussing hardware engineering, or exploring research opportunities? I'd love to hear from you!