Steven Hicks
About Steven Hicks
Steven Hicks is a Development Engineer with over 36 years of experience at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He holds degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering and specializes in motion control systems, high-speed digital hardware design, and servo system tuning.
Work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Steven Hicks has been employed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a Development Engineer since 1988. Over his 36-year tenure, he has contributed to various projects and initiatives within the laboratory. His role involves the design and implementation of motion control systems, where he utilizes his extensive expertise in high-speed digital hardware design and motion synchronization.
Education and Expertise
Steven Hicks holds multiple degrees in relevant fields. He earned a Master of Science in Instrumentation Physics from the University of Utah, where he studied from 1986 to 1987. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Physics with an Electrical Engineering option from Clemson University, attending from 1981 to 1985. Additionally, he pursued Electrical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, from 1988 to 2002. His educational background supports his expertise in motion control systems and high-speed digital hardware design.
Technical Skills and Programming Proficiency
Steven Hicks possesses a diverse skill set in programming and hardware design. He is proficient in multiple programming languages, including Assembly, Quick Basic, Visual Basic, Object-Oriented Visual Basic, C, C++, and Ladder Logic. His technical skills extend to designing and tuning servo systems for various applications, as well as developing complex timing cards for synchronizing detector acquisition hardware.
Motion Control Systems Experience
Steven Hicks has successfully commissioned a wide range of motion control systems, including stepper systems with sizes ranging from NEMA 14 to 42, incorporating 17-bit absolute encoder feedback. He has experience in integrating external systems, such as line scan cameras, with motion feedback and position signals. His work includes utilizing various motion controllers, including those from AMP, Galil, Parker, Delta-Tau, Newport, MEI, Tech80, Acroloop, and Aerotech.