Sorry! De informatie die je zoekt, is enkel beschikbaar in het Engels.
This programme is saved in My Study Choice.
Something went wrong with processing the request.
Something went wrong with processing the request.

Tools and techniques

Our expertise extends to the development of instruments for diverse experimental research needs within our beta faculty. We specialize in the design and prototyping of innovative electronic instruments and software solutions. Additionally, we maintain production facilities capable of handling small batches, and we can scale up production volumes by collaborating with our production partners when needed.

Design and Testing
Our design process leverages Mentor Graphics E-CAD software with advanced simulation capabilities. Extensive test and measurement instruments enable us to validate designs in real-world conditions. Additionally, our separate test facility accommodates climate and EMC tests, featuring an EMxpert, a real-time EMC and EMI testing tool to swiftly diagnose and resolve electromagnetic issues during the design phase.

Production
Equipped with a comprehensive range of surface mount technology equipment, we can construct bespoke research instruments, prototypes, and small series in-house. This capability benefits our spin-off companies, allowing us to conduct pre-production runs before outsourcing to assembly houses. This practice ensures pre-production units are built and rigorously tested, minimizing costly changes or rework during series production.

Analog Circuits
Analog electronics serve as the interface to the real world. We specialize in designing low-noise circuits for measuring small signals, controlling high voltages and currents, feedback control, and more. Prior to manufacturing, we employ Spice simulation to validate correctness.

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA)
FPGAs offer a collection of programmable, high-speed digital circuits on a single chip. They excel in accurately synchronizing measurements, performing numerous tasks in parallel, and executing signal processing algorithms swiftly. We create advanced FPGA-based instruments that include analog signal conditioning, Analog to Digital/Digital to Analog converters, microprocessors, and Ethernet communication. For traditional FPGA design, we utilize Mentor Graphics HDL Designer, Precision, and Modelsim, while for Xilinx FPGA and Zynq System on a Chip designs, we employ Vivado.

IoT, Microcontrollers, Wired, and Wireless Communication
We embed intelligence into instruments to enhance measurements, automate repetitive tasks, and control experimental setups. In laboratory settings, we traditionally employ wired communication protocols like USB, Ethernet, Cabled PCIe, and serial. However, for outdoor measurements and remote control, we predominantly use wireless communication standards such as Cellular (4G), XBee, Bluetooth, and LoRa. This approach provides researchers and students with greater flexibility, eliminating the need for cumbersome, lengthy cables.

Our processing cores include MicroChip, ARM (compatible with Arduino software), and embedded Linux.

LED Technology
LED technology is increasingly prevalent in experimental setups. We specialize in power control electronics for wavelength-specific or white light, whether continuous, pulsed, or modulated.

Software Engineering
We develop software for experimental setups, covering data acquisition, web-based experiments, real-time control, embedded systems, IoT integration in the cloud, and more. Our proficiency spans several programming languages, including C, C++, Java, LabVIEW, LabWindows, PHP, HTML, JavaScript, and Python.

Quick links

Research Research and Impact Support Portal University Library VU Press Office

Study

Education Study guide Canvas Student Desk

Featured

VUfonds VU Magazine Ad Valvas

About VU

About us Contact us Working at VU Amsterdam Faculties Divisions
Privacy Disclaimer Safety at VU Amsterdam Colofon Cookies Web archive

Copyright © 2024 - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam