Carl Benton

Personal Statement

I have always wanted to gain a career in the field of electronics, which has also been my passion and hobby since my early teens. I am interested in Digital electronics, audio power amplifiers, Home Automation and Industrial Control, as well as other applications. I started by learning from books and my own designs then went on to complete a BE degree at Waikato University with first class honors, followed by a Masters in Electronics.

I have also always enjoyed metalwork and woodwork which has proven valuable as I have developed many skills in construction. I love to further my education and skillset, as I enjoy working on exciting new projects.

Current Interest

Once I completed my degree with pleasing results, I began my masters working once again with Perreaux Industries on a high quality CD transport for audio applications, the SXCD. Last time I worked for Perreaux I was lucky enough to be involved in the design of a new amplifier project, the SX25i, and now see it go to market. Now I have also seen the SXCD go to market, and am now still working with Perreaux towards achieving a PhD in Electronics. The PhD is based around the design of a fully digital amplifier for the Hi-Fi market, which has involved DSP programming in C and CPLD programming in VHDL, high speed circuit design and PCB layout, and power electronics design.

Business Achievements

I am the managing director for both Bentech Limitedand LEDstuff Limited. Bentech Limited is an electronic design company focusing on contract work and the design of various electronic projects. LEDstuff Limited is a company that specializes in the sale of LED lighting products for motorhome, household and commercial applications. LEDstuff has grown over the first 6 years into a successful company with many happy customers.

Qualifications

• 2012 – Now – LEDstuff relocated to shop + warehouse in Hamilton. Bentech picked up work on the Heat Ranger project as well as other contract work.
• 2009 – 2011 – Started Bentech doing a small amount of contract work for Perreaux Industries. Started LEDstuff.
• 2007-2008 – Masters of Engineering with First Class Honors (Design of the the SXCD CD Player for Perreaux Industries).
• 2004 – Top student in the Electronic Engineering Degree at the University of Waikato for 2004.
• 2004 – Student speaker at Graduation Ceremony for all of Engineering at Waikato.
• 2004 – Bachelor of Electronic Engineering with First Class Honors.
• 2003 – Successful development of the SX25i amplifier for Perreaux Industries during my 3-month work placement.
• 2001 – After completing my first year at University I was honored to become a member of the ‘Golden Key International Honors Society’ by being in the top 15% of students at Waikato University.
• 2000 – A Bursary
• 1998 – School Certificate

Sports

I enjoy following, watching and refereeing Rugby Union. I played for several years at a young age until I took up refereeing at the age of 16 in Tauranga (Bay of Plenty). When I went to university in the Waikato I continued to referee, and also in Dunedin for the Otago Rugby Referees Association (ORRA) with 10 years of refereeing under my belt. I stopped refereeing in 2012 to focus on my businesses and spend more time with my family.

I also enjoy to play squash, where I was a member of the Pirates Squash Racquets Club in Dunedin. I  played for 3 years and am graded as D1. Since moving to Hamilton I have been too busy to play squash, but would like to get back into it in the near future.