Bismillah Nasir Ashfaq

PhD EE | Team Lead – Digital Design | FPGA & Wireless Communication Systems | Marie Curie Fellow | Lifelong Learner

Istanbul, Türkiye

About

I am a digital design engineer with 8+ years of experience in FPGA development, communication systems, and advanced hardware design. My expertise spans high-performance algorithms, system-level hardware integration, and real-time communication solutions. Proficient in VHDL, Verilog, Embedded C (Vitis), Python, and tools like MATLAB, Modelsim/Questasim, Vivado, and Vitis, I specialize in designing innovative solutions for complex digital systems. As a Marie Curie Ph.D. Fellow, I have conducted cutting-edge research on vehicular visible light communication (VLC) systems, addressing challenges like sunlight interference and dynamic mobility. My work bridges theoretical advancements with real-world applications, incorporating robust experimental validations to deliver practical solutions for next-generation transportation systems. Driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, I thrive in multidisciplinary environments where I can leverage my technical expertise to deliver impactful results. Beyond my professional pursuits, I am a proud husband to Fatima Tu Zahra (Team Lead AI, VeNIT Lab, Marmara University, Türkiye) and father to two beautiful daughters, who inspire me to achieve excellence and balance in all aspects of life.

Experience

  • Yongatek Microelectronics (Istanbul, Türkiye · On-site)
    • Team Lead | Digital Design, 5G Communication Systems
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

    • Senior Digital Design Engineer
      May 2024 - Apr 2025 · 1 yr

      1) 5G NR LDPC Decoder IP Development Project: -Developed a MATLAB framework to validate LDPC decoder IP functionality, ensuring accuracy through rigorous comparison of MATLAB algorithm and FPGA implementation results. -Created an end-to-end demo for LDPC decoder IP validation on the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC ZCU102 evaluation board, utilizing Python, VHDL, and Vitis UDP perf server application to enable seamless data transfer and embedded testing. -Designed and tested AXI4Stream protocol integration for the LDPC decoder IP, enabling efficient and high-performance data streaming. 2) 5G Antenna Integrated Radio Project: -Enabled and configured the SPI interface on DFE FPGA (Zynq MPSoC) to communicate with the TI AFE7769D transceivers on the custom-designed 5G radio board using Linux spidev. -Implemented and validated JESD204C TX/RX and PHY IPs on the FPGA for synchronization and data exchange with the TI AFE7769D transceiver. -Performed TI AFE7769D bring-up and loopback testing using TI-provided cAPIs on a PetaLinux application, verifying transceiver functionality through bypass and JESD modes. -Conducted embedded debugging and signal tracing using ILA, spectrum analyzers, and register-level checks to troubleshoot JESD data mismatches and validate signal paths. 3) Proposal Writing: -Contributed to the winning proposal for the EU Rigoletto project in the Chips JU 2025 call, focused on RISC-V-based automotive processors. -Wrote the winning proposal for GMSK modulator IP development for an international client.

  • Marie Curie Ph.D. Fellow at Ford Otosan
    Oct 2020 - Dec 2023 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    -Researched vehicular visible light communication (VLC) systems, addressing challenges like sunlight interference and vehicular mobility. -Developed and validated a real-time FPGA-based transceiver system using On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation on Digilent’s Eclypse Z7 platform (RTL, VHDL+Verilog). -Designed and tested high-power LED drivers and optical components to enhance VLC performance in outdoor environments. -Led outdoor experimental campaigns, validating system designs and optimizing receiver parameters for dynamic conditions. -Published findings in leading IEEE and 6G Summit conferences, advancing the field of vehicular VLC.

  • Senior Design Engineer | RF Lead at Center for Advanced Research in Engineering (CARE)
    Jun 2018 - Aug 2020 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    Contributed to the 5G-SDR funded project, focused on designing tactical communication waveforms inspired by key 5G technologies. Responsibilities included: -RTL implemention of MATLAB-based communication system modules using Verilog, including channel estimation and MIMO-OFDM signal processing, under the project's scope. -Configured the RF Data Converter (RFDC) core of the Zynq Ultrascale+ ZCU111 board from scratch, enabling advanced RF front-end functionality for 5G applications. -Conducted extensive testing, including DAC-ADC loopback scenarios, utilizing the Integrated Logic Analyzer (ILA) for debugging and hardware validation. -Facilitated seamless integration of subsystems on the ZCU111 platform, optimizing performance and enabling 5G waveform processing in tactical communication scenarios.

  • Graduate Student Researcher at Umram
    Jan 2016 - Apr 2018 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    -Developed a novel gate-modulation algorithm for class-E amplifiers, enabling RF pulse shaping in MRI systems without additional hardware. -Used MATLAB and Advanced Design System (ADS) to design and validate software models for class-E amplifiers, optimizing performance for on-coil applications. -Utilized Xilinx Vivado to send bitstream data for developed RF pulses to the amplifier input, ensuring seamless integration with hardware systems. -Built and tested hardware prototypes for a class-E amplifier with the developed gate-modulation algorithm, achieving 89% peak drain efficiency at 50 W input power when integrated with a single-channel transmit coil for MRI, demonstrating efficiency and scalability in high-power RF applications -Acquired hands-on expertise in RF testing and measurements, leveraging digital oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and spectrum analyzers for troubleshooting and optimization.

  • Development Engineer at Lahore University of Management Sciences
    Oct 2015 - Jan 2016 · 4 mos

    In this job role, I worked with students and assisted them in performing various cool science experiments during their freshman year. The experiments were mostly focused on mathematics, physics, and engineering.