Some semiconductor companies do have application engineers that are willing to help folks with smaller projects. Bob Pease was one such, he helped me a couple of times, even over the phone. Unfortunately for all of us he is now deceased. That is still a huge loss. But there must be a few others who also posses insights and are willing to help. Of the several consultants that I have been forced to use over the years, a few were good, some far overpriced, and some not very skilled.