DJ Pete Beat Sequencer
Embedded firmware for STM32 microcontrollers featuring advanced I2C, DMA, DAC, SPI integration with Adafruit NeoTrellis RGB keypads for interactive music production.
Hardware Architecture
STM32 Embedded System Design
Advanced embedded firmware leveraging STM32 microcontroller capabilities with multiple communication protocols, real-time audio processing, and peripheral management for music hardware.
Embedded Systems Features
Multi-Protocol Communication
Implemented I2C and SPI communication protocols for seamless integration with Adafruit NeoTrellis RGB keypads and external peripherals.
DMA-Driven Audio
Leveraged Direct Memory Access for real-time audio sample streaming to DAC, eliminating CPU bottlenecks in audio processing pipeline.
Real-time RGB Control
Dynamic LED matrix management with per-key RGB control, creating visual feedback system synchronized with audio patterns.
Low-Level Optimization
Hand-optimized ARM assembly routines for critical audio paths, achieving deterministic timing for professional music applications.
Interrupt-Driven Design
Sophisticated interrupt handling architecture ensuring responsive user input while maintaining audio timing precision.
Memory Management
Efficient memory allocation strategies for sample storage and real-time audio buffers in constrained embedded environment.
Implementation Deep Dive
Communication Stack
- • I2C protocol for NeoTrellis keypad matrix
- • SPI interface for high-speed audio data transfer
- • Custom protocol layer for RGB synchronization
- • Hardware abstraction layer for portability
Audio Processing Engine
- • Real-time sample synthesis and playback
- • DMA-based circular buffer management
- • Hardware DAC integration for audio output
- • Precision timing for beat synchronization
User Interface System
- • 8x8 RGB LED matrix with individual control
- • Capacitive touch sensing with debouncing
- • Visual pattern feedback and status indicators
- • Responsive UI with sub-10ms input latency
System Architecture
- • Modular firmware design with clear separation
- • Real-time OS concepts for task scheduling
- • Efficient power management and sleep modes
- • Robust error handling and recovery mechanisms
Project Achievements
Implemented complex embedded systems with multiple communication protocols
Created interactive RGB keypad interface for music production
Presented at Purdue Spark Challenge showcasing technical innovation
Demonstrated expertise in low-level hardware programming and real-time systems
Technical Specifications
STM32 Platform Integration
Developed comprehensive embedded firmware for STM32 ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller, implementing multiple communication protocols and real-time audio processing capabilities for professional music production hardware.
Communication Protocols
Implemented sophisticated communication stack supporting I2C for keypad interface, SPI for high-speed data transfer, and DMA for efficient memory operations, ensuring reliable real-time performance.
Purdue Spark Challenge Recognition
Presented at Purdue's premier innovation showcase, demonstrating the intersection of embedded systems engineering and creative technology, highlighting both technical complexity and practical musical applications.
Project Impact
Showcased embedded systems expertise through creative music technology, bridging hardware and artistic expression
Technical Innovation
- • Advanced embedded systems architecture design
- • Real-time audio processing on resource-constrained hardware
- • Multi-protocol communication stack implementation
- • Professional-grade timing precision for music applications
Educational Outcomes
- • Demonstrated mastery of low-level embedded programming
- • Applied real-time systems concepts in practical context
- • Showcased creative application of engineering principles
- • Enhanced understanding of hardware-software integration