Derek Casamenti

The project was about multi-effects digital guitar pedals. I performed technology scouting for a new family of processors and designed a dual-processor system on a module to support this and future product lines. I also ported all the firmware stack to a new family of processors. I evolved the operating system stack into what is currently used to develop all of the company's products. Implemented a pub/sub-based virtual bus to allow for distributed execution of parts of the system on multiple execution contexts (e.g., physical processors, host computer). I acted as a primary developer for device drivers, BSP layer, and storage subsystems and wrote all firmware in C++20.

In addition, I modernized the MIDI 1.0 parser and server and integrated a new USB device stack with audio class 2.0 capabilities. Collaborated with a developer on DSP integration, performance analysis, and optimization. Implemented the host software back-end used to communicate with the device.

A smart ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor network for distance tracking. Ideal for checking social distancing and safety applications. I acted as the principal author of a patent-pending measurement scheme to reduce the computational complexity and energy consumption required to measure the distance between sensor nodes that are part of a uniform network. As the principal architect for the whole sensor network, I implemented the proprietary radio protocol stack, the baseband firmware that controls the UWB radio, and the firmware engine for scheduling distance measurements. Also, I performed power analysis to optimize battery life and helped with the product certification process.

The project was about an active two-way studio monitor completely DSP-controlled with fully automatic integrated digital calibration via supplied measuring microphone. As the primary developer for device drivers, BSP layer, and application firmware, I designed the digital architecture of the product and wrote all firmware in C++17. Wrote a message-passing RTOS heavily influenced by the actor concurrency model, supporting both a cooperative and a preemptive run-to-completion kernel. Implemented low-overhead logging and tracing subsystems for real-time recording of kernel events. Collaborated with a developer on DSP integration, performance analysis, and optimization.

Internal research project to evaluate the use of real-time Linux to develop high-end audio products. I defined the roadmap and objectives of the project and selected the hardware platform. Also, I supervised the exploration of various kernel configurations, benchmarking, and application profiling.

Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI pedalboard for iOS and Mac allows you to control music apps and more from the floor. I had to re-engineer part of the electronics and all the application firmware using a new Bluetooth SoC due to the sudden obsolescence of the Bluetooth module used in the original product. The new firmware had to be backward compatible with all the existing software ecosystems. I completed the project quickly, avoiding a production gap and the consequent loss of money for the company. The new component allowed for a significant cut in the bills of material costs. Also, I reduced transmission latency and improved host compatibility compared to the original product.

The project was about universal keyboard controllers and an audio interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC. I fixed bugs and polished a new Apple MFi platform. As the primary developer for device drivers, BSP layer, and application firmware, I designed the digital architecture of the product and wrote the application in C++14. Also, I wrote a cooperative task scheduler based on protothreads. Implemented the USB audio MIDI interface and the multi-chip bootloader. Ported a Windows-only firmware updater to macOS. Operated with Apple to fix a macOS High Sierra USB audio stack bug.

The project was about a compact acoustic microphone, advanced digital preamplifier, and processing unit that recreates a studio microphone set up for acoustic guitars. As the primary developer for device drivers, BSP layer, and application, I designed the digital architecture of the product. Conducted technology scouting for a new family of microcontrollers with DSP-like characteristics. I wrote all firmware in C and collaborated with a developer on DSP integration, performance analysis, and optimization. Implemented the asynchronous audio class 1.0 for the USB device stack, the USB bootloader, and the software for production testing and programming.

Backlit compact Bluetooth Low Energy page turner for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Android. Conducted technology scouting for a new Bluetooth Low Energy SoC. I led circuit design, PCB layout, and firmware development. Involved in product certification, Bluetooth qualification process, and product testing.