Overview
The RENCI Innovations Lab (I-Lab) focuses on rapidly developing novel devices that support research activities at RENCI. These prototype devices range from remote sensors to robots to unique display technologies. The Innovations Lab houses a rapid prototyping capability for printed circuit boards, a device programming station, a professional solder station, and small-scale machine tools, all of which allow quick fabrication of devices from concept to prototype.
Overview
The RENCI Innovations Lab (I-Lab) focuses on rapidly developing novel devices that support research activities at RENCI. These prototype devices range from remote sensors to robots to unique display technologies. The Innovations Lab houses a rapid prototyping capability for printed circuit boards, a device programming station, a professional solder station, and small-scale machine tools, all of which allow quick fabrication of devices from concept to prototype.
Laboratory Equipment
RENCI houses a fully-stocked electronics lab and a small machine shop for the fabrication of electronic research devices. The lab is equipped with:
- commercial software tools to design and simulate analog and digital circuits.
- circuit fabrication capabilities. Two-layer boards with plated-through holes can be fabricated in-house via a mechanical milling process, which has a minimum trace and space width of .004 inches.
- hand tools, a commercial solder station, and a reflow oven, used to populate boards with components.
- a full suite of analog, digital, and RF measurement equipment.
- basic machine tools, including a band saw, a drill press, and a sanding station, to generate custom device housings.
- a 3D part scanner to import physical objects directly into Solidworks, a software program for customization or replication.
Funding
The State of North Carolina
RENCI Team
Daniel Bedard
Erik Scott
Justin Burleson
Jim Mahaney
Chad Wiggs
