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Matt Brocklehurst | R&D C++ Programmer & Systems Architect
I build high-performance control logic for hardware that refuses to cooperate.
I specialize in the Hardware-Software Boundary: reverse-engineering proprietary protocols, stabilizing kernel-level synchronization, and modernizing industrial hardware. I thrive in the space where the documentation ends and the logic begins—translating noisy physical inputs into stable, production-grade systems.
🛠️ OpenPnP | Systems Architecture & Logic
I have authored over 20+ feature branches and logic prototypes for the OpenPnP ecosystem, specializing in the intersection of G-code protocol breaching and high-speed vision-to-motion synchronization.
🎯 Motion Control & G-Code Protocols
- Fiducial Homing (PR-310/345): Custom G-code sequences for high-precision machine homing via optical fiducial recognition.
- Error Regex Handling (PR-372): Robust serial response parsing to handle non-standard controller feedback during protocol breaching.
- Vacuum Detection (PR-373): Integrated hardware-level sensor feedback into placement logic to prevent "dropped-part" air-shots.
🧪 Material Dispensing (Paste/Glue)
- G-Code Dispense Core (PR-312/552): Architected core logic for solder paste and glue dispensing, managing synchronized extrusion with XYZ motion.
- Alignment Dispense Logic (PR-464): V2 logic for part-alignment-aware dispensing, ensuring volumetric accuracy on skewed footprints.
👁️ Vision & Part Alignment
- Multi-Part Aligner (PR-551): Optimized vision pipelines for batch-processing part alignment, reducing per-placement latency.
- Loose Part Feeder (PR-320/374): Advanced vision-based part recognition for non-strip-fed components (loose-part picking).
📟 Legacy Hardware Modernization
- Zevatech Resurrection: Primary R&D branch for reverse-engineering and modernizing legacy Zevatech SMT hardware.
🛡️ The "Fixer" Proof-of-Work
SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer)
The Problem: Catastrophic system hang in the Windows WASAPI audio backend during device hot-plugging.
The Fix: Identified a race condition in kernel-level synchronization primitives. Replaced INFINITE blocking with bounded, 200ms defensive polling.
Impact: My fix is part of the mainline SDL source, stabilizing audio for thousands of applications globally.
Zevatech Resurrection & Jaguar Jigs
Reverse-engineered proprietary protocols on obsolete industrial hardware to integrate into modern R&D stacks. I specialize in "Logic Breaching" where manufacturers have long since abandoned support.
🏗️ Technical Infrastructure
- Languages: C/C++ (11+ years), Java, Firmware (MCUs), Python.
- Environment: Linux (Debian/i3wm), PCB Design, Logic Analyzers, Oscilloscopes.
- Workflow: Structured technical logging and documentation via Obsidian/Git-Crypt.
🏗️ Deployment & Contact
I’m at my best when I can work directly with hardware, collaborate with lead architects on system design, and iterate until the solution is robust.
Location: Manchester, UK (Available for R&D/Systems roles) Current Status: Active in the OpenPnP and SDL communities.