Sohail Ahmed Zia has over 35 years of experience in electronics design and renewable energy. He holds an MSc in Applied Physics from the University of Karachi. Throughout his career, he has designed numerous electronic products from concept to implementation, including UPS systems, inverters, and solar products. Currently, he works as an independent product designer and provides consultancy in solar energy systems.

1. Sohail Ahmed Zia
Email: approvision@yahoo.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sohail-zia/26/4b5/abb
FORMAL EDUCATION
M.Sc. Applied Physics 1980/1982 with specialization in Electronics, from The
Department of Applied Physics, University of Karachi, Pakistan.
Gold Medal was awarded for securing First Position in the Order of Merit in
‘Applied Physics’ for the 1980-1982 session.
SKILLS
Personnel Skills Format During an execution of a task, if a skill is required, I tried to learn and execute; if
established economical and feasible, otherwise the sub task is outsourced and
interacted.
Electronics I started practicing Electronics as a hobbyist since my seventh grade of schooling,
and used Electronics professionally while a college student by producing audio
Intercom Systems; try to keep my process of learning Electronics continued.
Renewable and Solar Developed interest in renewable energy at my ninth grade of schooling, I regularly
provide free consultancy in Solar and do Photo-Voltaic System.
Electronic Products I execute electronic products designing from concept to implementation.
Full-life Cycle Design:
 Realizing a genuine need and market niche; generating a concept.
 Getting intended users’ opinion.
 Examining available and accessible resources (funds, parts, services etc.).
 Exploring firmware potentials and microcontroller capabilities vs. hardware.
 Defining schematics.
 Prototyping subsets.
 First PCB designing.
 Writing firmware.
 First piece functional and endurance testing.
 Field testing.
 Adjustments in design when required; testing again in such cases.
 Delivering the design to OEMs for production.
 Providing OEMs guidance for production and Quality Assurance by
interacting with their staff.
 Constantly getting feedback from OEM and end users through OEM and from
users directly, when possible.
 Using the product myself if possible; in order to perform feed-forward
corrections.
Analog Circuit Design since 1980, I have used linear ICs, operational amplifiers and comparators in my
designs.
Digital Circuit Design Digital Electronics was my favorite subject as a student, but the need for using
discrete digital ICs in my designs has decreased since I started using a
microcontroller.
Microprocessor I studied microprocessor and building of a 4-bit instructions machine from the gate
level; in contrast to the black-box concept in later textbooks. Later on I adopted the
concepts for my microcontroller designs.
Microcontrollers I started using Atmel-AT89C2051 microcontroller in my designs about 1997.
However now I feel the need to shift to more advanced microcontrollers.

2. Embedded Systems Since 2007 almost all of my designs are embedded systems.
Firmware Development Firmware Development is part of microcontroller based embedded designs. I use
A-51 Assembly language to write programs.
C/C++ In C/C++ I am a beginner, it is hoped to be the next language for my embedded
designs as I choose another microcontroller with better resources.
Power Electronics I am involved in the designing of offline Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS) and
Inverters, since 1987.
PCB Layout Since 1986 I have used software based layout in PCB designing, however the use
of netlist based software was learned about 2006. Before using any software I
performed manual PCB designing with tape and stamps from 1980. The need for
designing a completely new PCB is usually once in any of my products life cycle.
Schematic Capture Since 2006 I have used netlist based software OrCAD for the schematic capture.
Simulation Used Cir(cuit)Maker and Electronic Work Bench in the past, and recently Proteus
for simulating sub circuits.
Product Manufacturing I produced complete UPSs from 1987 to 2003, a UPS Main Card from 2004 to
2006 for the OEM and in 2007 I shifted to Embedded Systems (mostly UPS)
designing for the OEM.
Troubleshooting Performed troubleshooting as well as design adjustments to eradicate the faults for
all of my designs.
Electronic Product Sales During my professional career I have sold Industrial Instruments, Personal
Computers, Voltage Stabilizers, AC Line Conditioners, Uninterrupted Power
Supplies, UPS cards, ATS/AMF cards and Firmware for the embedded UPSs.
Business Operations Being Self-employed performed business operations of proprietary level, since
1980.
Soft Skills Cross group Collaboration, Conflict resolution, Interpersonal, Influence without
authority, Service and Warranty Agreements (UPS).
Other Software used MS Word (mid level), used PageMaker for UPS panel designing and document
writing in the past and Corel Draw for preparing and merging artwork images
(elementary level), MS Excel (elementary level).
Speech Languages English, Urdu.
WORK EXPERIENCE 1980 to 2017
1980- Present • Business Owner & Product Designer, Approvision Research, Pakistan.
1983 to 1986 • Visiting Instructor for Electronics, Pakistan Naval Engineering Collage (PNS Jauhar) now called
National University of Science & Technology (NUST), Karachi.
1984 • Visiting Instructor for Data Processing, Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan
(ICMA). Karachi.
1983 • Lecturer for Industrial Electronics, Telemetry & Display Systems in Petroman, a division of State
Petroleum Refining & Petrochemical Corporation Ltd. PERAC, Karachi.
• Addressed an industrial training program ‘Instrumentation and Automatic Control’ in 1983 by
Petroman.

3. Projects 1980 to 2017
2012 – 2017 • Designed multiple microcontroller based energy saving UPSs for domestic use, for the UPS
manufacturers (OEM) in Pakistan.
2011 – 2012 • Low cost ATS+AMF embedded design, aimed at the middle income class of Pakistan for the low
cost Chinese generators.
2007 to 2010 • Developed and implemented a microcontroller based 50Hz standby UPS design for the OEM.
(Business methodology: PCB Layout and maintenance guidance is provided to the manufactures
free of cost, while only the microcontroller programming is charged for; the design is still in use by
the OEMs).
• Designed a prototype of Solar Light for the floods victims of Pakistan in 2010.
2004 to 2006 • Developed and implemented a non-microcontroller UPS main-card for the OEM.
• Maintenance Services for the past delivered UPSs.
1987 to 2003 • Designed, produced and maintained Line Interactive UPSs mainly for data houses.
1992 • Designed, fabricated and installed 130V-30A Industrial Battery Chargers for Engro Chemical
Pakistan Ltd. Daharki (Urea Fertilizer Plant controls).
1986 • Consultant (R&D) of Line Delayed Operator Dependent Melt Indicator and Data Logger for
National Fibers Ltd., Karachi.
1980 to 1985 • Consultant & Designer for R & D of Electronic Jute Carding Meter, a SCADA intended project for
Thal Jute Mills Ltd. (now Thal Engineering), a subsidiary of House of Habib (HoH), Pakistan.
TRAINING PROGRAMS and SEMINARS
 Leadership Grid Seminar 2010 of Grid International, Inc. at Lahore. organized by PSTD
(Pakistan Society for Training and Development).
 One day intensive training in INTERNAL QUALITY AUDITING FOR ISO-9000 September
17, 1994 by Pakistan Institute of Quality Control, Karachi.
 One day intensive training in QUALITY MANUAL AND DOCUMENTATION FOR ISO-9000
August 31, 1994 by Pakistan Institute of Quality Control, Karachi.
 In addition to delivering lecture in ‘Instrumentation & Automatic Control’ 1983 by Petroman,
also attended the Program as observer.
 Basic Training Course for ‘Life Insurance Sales’ 1976 by State Life Insurance Corporation of
Pakistan, Karachi.
PUBLICATIONS and CONFERENCES
Participated in the 19th
Annual Science Conference 1979 by the ‘Scientific Society of Pakistan’ organized
by Quadi-Azam University, Islamabad and delivered talks on the following two topics:
 a). Solar Energy Uses with respect to Pakistan’s Economic & Technical Scenario.
 b). Concept of Ink written words Interpreter (an electronic instrument) for the Blinds.
PUBLIC APPEARENCES - NEWS MEDIA
 Pakistan State Television (PTV) program ‘Ferozan’ for the youth, 1980, for designing Aid
Instruments for the Blind.
 Pakistan Television (PTV) program ‘Tarjuman’ 1975 for giving a concept of Super Propulsion
System (testimonial inaccessible at present for the PTV programs).
Print Media: Urdu: Daily Nawai-Waqt, Karachi/page8, 29/11/1980. Daily Jang, Karachi/p.2, 22/6/1980. Daily
Imroze, Lahore;Alam-e-Niswan/p.1, 20/10/1979. Mashriq Magazine, Lahore/p.2, 5/10/1979. Daily
Hurriyat, Karachi/p.4, 9/1/1975. Daily Mashriq, Karachi/p.7, 3/12/1974. Ahang-Pakistan
Broadcasting Corporation, Karachi/p.37, 23/5/74. English: Mag Weekly-Daily News, Karachi/p.15,
31/7/1980. The Pakistan Times, Lahore/p.3, 9/10/1979.

4. EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, MEDALS AND AWARDS
o Designed low cost Aid Instruments for the Blind in 1980.
o Gold Medal in Science Exhibition 1976, Jinnah Govt. College Nazimabad, Karachi.
o First Prize in Physics Quiz 1976, Govt. National College, Karachi.
o Gold Medal (Physics) in Regional Science Fair 1975 by Pakistan Association of Scientists &
Scientific Professions, Karachi.
o Second Prize in Science Fair 1975 (Intermediate Section), D. J. Sind Government Science
College, Karachi.
o Gold Medal (Physics) in Science Fair 1974, Karachi by Pakistan Association of Scientists &
Scientific Professions (Ref. Ahang 23/5/74).
o Project Director of Scientific Society 1973, D. J. Sind Government Science College, Karachi.
o Executive Member of Arts & Crafts Society 1973, D. J. Sind Government Science College,
Karachi.
o Secretary of Photographic Society 1973, D. J. Sind Government Science College, Karachi.
o First Position Science Exhibition 1970-71, Government Central Model High School, Lahore.
o Stood First in Coins Collecting Competition 1968, Government Central Model High School,
Lower Mall Road, Lahore.
o Second Position in Hobbies Exhibition 1968, Government Central Model High School, Lahore.
SPORTS INTEREST
 Swimming, member of DHA Beach View Club, Karachi.
 Rowing, a member of DHA Rowing and Sailing Club at DHA Marina Club 1995, Karachi.
 Learned Wind Surfing (basics) at Pakistan Air Force Sailing Club 1994, Korangi Creek, Karachi.
REFERENCES
Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Khan Yusufzai
Ex-Chairman Department of Applied Physics,
University of Karachi, Karachi. Pakistan.
Phone: +92-213-603-9971.
Email: ayubzai@yahoo.com
Professor Dr. Najeeb Siddiqui
Associate Dean Faculty of Engineering, Sir Syed
University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi.
PAKISTAN. Phone: +92-21-3498-8003.
Email: najeeb_siddiqui@hotmail.com
Prof. Dr. Syed Arif Kamal, Gold Medalist
MS (Indiana, USA), MA (Johns Hopkins, USA), PhD
(Karachi),
Postdoc (Albert Einstein, USA), Life Member PIP,
Member IBRO (Paris)
Professor and Chairman, Department of Mathematics
Project Director, the NGDS Pilot Project
University of Karachi.
Member, Expert Panel, Natonal Curriculum Council,
Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan
Convener, NCRC (Mathematics), Higher Education
Commission, Government of Pakistan
Convener, Subject Committee (Mathematics),
National Testing Service Pakistan
Phone: +92-321-926-5970.
Homepage: http://ngds-ku.org/kamal
Email: kamal@ngds-ku.org, sakamal@uok.edu.pk
Ahsan Imran
CEO at Millat Equipment Limited,
10km Raiwind Road, Lahore.
Phone: +92-423-570-7182.
Usman A. Ghani
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Sloan School
of Management, Harvard University, MIT,
Chairman, AIMS, llc. and ConfluentC, llc., 3459
West Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 2065, Irving, TX
75038, U.S.A. Phone: +1 214 -934- 0511
Email: usman@confluentc.com
Ghulam Mujtaba
Director Technical,
Syntech Fibres (Pvt) Ltd.
5-3-1 Sector 15, Korangi Industrial Area,
Karachi 74900. Pakistan
Phone: +92-213-506-1044.
Email: mujtaba@syntechfibres.com