SSD Testing RIG Firmware Development

Project Summary:

This project involved the development of firmware for a Solid-State Drive (SSD) testing rig for a leading hard disk drive manufacturer in US. Working remotely from Karachi, Pakistan, I designed and implemented the firmware for a brand new testing rig, ensuring compatibility with upcoming SSD product lines.

Challenges:

Legacy Knowledge Gap: The project lacked access to the original developers and documentation for the previous testing rig firmware.

New Hardware Integration: Seamless integration with new and unfamiliarity hardware components was required.

Comprehensive Functionality: Development encompassed a wide range of functionalities including:

• Peripheral driver creation
• Implementation of the FreeRTOS operating system
• Introduction of new test commands
• Backward compatibility with legacy commands

Remote Development and Testing: Firmware development occurred remotely with eventual on-site testing and debugging.

Documentation Creation: Comprehensive documentation needed to be established.

Solution:

I employed a concurrent approach, studying the existing schematic and firmware while collaborating closely with the hardware design engineer for continuous testing and debugging. This collaborative effort even led to the identification and correction of errors within the schematics.

The majority of the firmware development took place during the PCB manufacturing and hardware setup phases. Finally, upon hardware arrival, on-site testing and troubleshooting were conducted to finalize the entire system. Rigorous review processes were also implemented, with feedback coming from two highly respected Silicon Valley engineers, one being a former Apple employee.

Overall Impact:

This project delivered a robust and efficient SSD testing rig firmware solution, fulfilling the client's requirements for comprehensive testing functionalities and compatibility with their upcoming SSD product lines. The successful completion underscores my ability to work independently in remote settings, collaborate effectively, and deliver high-quality firmware solutions.