Eric Dennison

Embedded and desktop software consulting: architecture through delivery.

Principal Engineer, Software Design (1995 – 2004, 2005 to present)
Tyco Safety Products - Westminster MA

Responsible for architecture and design of software systems for life-safety and security industries. Typical projects involve multitasking 32-bit operating systems using peer-to-peer communications over wide and local area networks using both proprietary and standard transports.

• Developed software tools (C++) that automatically translate sources for an embedded application from Intel x96 assembly language and C to pure C.

• Led the specification, architecture design and implementation of a project to port an existing security product from an obsolete 8-bit assembly language to pure C (using XTRAN tools), running under a 32-bit commercial RTOS.

• Led the specification, architecture design and implementation of a project to port an existing access control product from pSOS to Windows CE. This required converting a proprietary RAM or Flash-based indexed database to operate in a WinCE embedded file system, and developing numerous native Windows CE device drivers to replace direct I/O access.

• Designed and developed communication and control protocol stacks that operate interchangeably on proprietary RS-485, Ethernet (TCP/IP) and dial-up (TCP/IP over PPP) networks. Also developed an Ethernet Network Interface Card driver for the pSOS RTOS. Experienced with PPP and TCP/IP internals and debugging techniques.

• Designed and developed key components of a 32-bit embedded Building Systems controller (intended for use in access control, fire alarm, nurse call and prison security applications). Components included a fast RAM or Flash-based indexed database system, configuration download, remote diagnostic, event reporting and firmware download protocols.

Consultant (2004-2005)
Current Concept DesignWorks, Inc. - Athol MA

Designed and implemented software libraries and applications to support and complement the company's security products and services.

• Designed and implemented a processing engine for analyzing Wiegand protocol messages using C and Microsoft Visual Studio. The engine is portable across desktop and deeply embedded platforms.

• Designed and implemented a suite of desktop applications for analyzing Wiegand protocol messages using C++ and C# and Microsoft Visual Studio.

Walker Scientific, Inc. - Worcester MA

Provided architectural guidance and designed/implemented calibration procedures and software for Walker's AMH-401 hysteresisgraph, a PC-based automatic test instrument for measuring the magnetic hysteresis and power loss properties of magnetically soft materials used in high frequency switching power supplies:

• Advised the engineering team on DSP methods and system architecture, enabling the company to meet its project completion and delivery target.

• Designed and implemented a suite of calibration and test applications using C# and Microsoft Visual Studio.

Sonitrol Inc. - Orlando FL

Following its divestiture from Tyco Safety Products, advised Sonitrol Inc. on embedded system architecture and technologies:

• Critiqued and advised on new product functional specifications and proposals. Identified technologies (CPU, networking protocols, DSP and audio algorithms) capable of meeting performance and price goals. Evaluated signal processing algorithms using CPU simulation tools and Scilab.

Design Engineer (1988 – 1995)
Walker Scientific Inc. - Worcester MA

Responsible for the specification, design and development of industrial and scientific equipment for magnetic applications.

• Managed all software development for PC-based and embedded instrumentation using C, Pascal, BASIC, and C++. Led development of two PC-based automatic magnetic hysteresisgraph systems. These systems set an industry standard for high performance and low cost.

• Principal designer for a wide range of custom electromagnets, Helmholtz coils, air core solenoids, water cooling systems and control systems (including software and circuit design). Magnet systems ranged in size from from 1 watt to over 50 kilowatts.

• Provided extensive support to sales, service and marketing departments by writing advertising copy, and conducting customer training and sales demonstrations at sites around the world.

• Frequent contributor to trade journals and scientific or technical associations on subjects related to magnetic test and measurement. Addressed meetings of the International Coil Winding Association, Magnetic Material Producers Association, and other organizations.

SKILLS

Languages:
Fluent in C and familiar with C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, assembly languages, PHP, Perl, Pascal, BASIC, HTML, SQL

Technologies:
GNU (gcc/binutils/gdb) toolchains, Sockets, TCP/IP, UDP, PPP, Flex, XTRAN, Zlib, VOIP, Coldfire, 6800, 6502, 8051, PIC, x86, x96, H8

Operating Systems:
MicroC/OS-II, Windows CE, Linux, pSOS, Win32, DOS

Tools:
Hitachi HDI emulators, Microtek PowerPack emulators

Applications:
WinCE Platform Builder, Renesas/Hitachi HEW C/C++, Microsoft Visual Studio (C/C++/C#), PVCS, QVCS, SQL, MS Office, OpenOffice, Scilab, MPLAB

EDUCATION

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
BS in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, 1987