David Everett Smith

― Developed firmware using object-oriented techniques in C for a system running on the ThreadX RTOS with multiple components interacting between multiple threads. ― Performed bring-up of multiple high speed interfaces and achieved system-level timer synchronization within 110ns by analyzing timing measurements and message flows, debugging hardware defects with our hardware team, and writing firmware tests to verify hardware.

― Solved customer technical issues via remote analysis and visits to 8 customer sites. ― Implemented and simulated PLC software and valve drivers to automate a 32-valve oil pipeline. ― Redesigned user interface for a form fill sealing machine to simplify controls for the robotic arms and linear actuators.

― Proved controllability of a flapping-wing aircraft in simulation by designing a nonlinear model and feedback linearization controller. ― Exceeded target control loop frequency by 18% by implementing efficient embedded algorithms for the proportional-derivative controls, FIR filters, and interfaces to the gyroscopes, accelerometers, wireless transceiver, GPS, and motor controllers. ― Won $5000 first prize at RICC 2011 in a team of three for innovation, technical approach, and professionalism.

― Developed hardware verification tools in C++ and Python on Linux systems.

― Collaborated on a team to complete a 3-ring gimbal-based flight simulator which orients the human pilot along any direction in 3 dimensions to track the aircraft orientation in flight simulation software. ― Derived inverse rotational kinematics and solved the double solution and gimbal lock problems inherent in 3-axis gimbals. ― Implemented and tuned three PID controllers in LaBVIEW. ― Programmed an embedded interface between incremental encoders and PC.

― Designed and build a 2-axis gimbal for stabilizing an aircraft-mounted camera using SolidWorks and a laser cutter. ― Implemented a stabilization controller in MATLAB/Simulink and demonstrated successful stabilization in field tests. ― Performed circuit design and layout in Eagle and prototyped and populated the board

Control Systems, Embedded Systems