Hardware Projects Laboratory
Opened in Autumn 2018, the hardware projects laboratory offers world class facilities and equipment specifically for senior undergraduate and MSc students. It is a versatile area for industrial led projects and comprises four complementary areas to facilitate the project life cycle from initial concept through design and testing to a functional prototype. The facilities are underpinned by in-lab support from specialist technicians and academic staff.
The lab also provides a dedicated area for high voltage projects in association with the Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory.
Facilities and Equipment
The four areas comprise an electrical and electronic design and prototyping suite, high voltage (HV) testing area, PCB manufacturing area, and maker space.
- The design and prototyping suite is configured to accommodate both individual and group projects using an innovative benching solution pioneered at Southampton; the benches are equipped with highly specified test equipment from industry leaders, powerful PCs, and the equipment is arranged to offer best of class ergonomics.
- The area also includes an 86” interactive display for design presentations and brainstorming.
- The HV testing area provides facilities for breakdown, impulse ageing and conductivity testing.
- The PCB manufacturing area contains tools for the complete process from PCB fabrication to assembly and rework; tools include fabrication machine, pick-and-place machine, reflow oven, rework stations and inspection equipment. The maker space contains a panoply of tools for additive and subtractive manufacturing combining more established tools with the latest in 3D-printing, laser cutting and moulding technology.
Teaching
These labs provide essential practical experience to consolidate taught theory in industrial applications, helping students develop valuable employability skills and broad engineering industry awareness.
Research
This space is dedicated to undergraduate and MSc project work only.
Business and Enterprise
The group project work undertaken in the labs facilitates contact and networking opportunities with our industrial partners, providing valuable transferable skills and knowledge which make our students among the most sought after in the sector.
Take a tour of the labs
Take a trip through our Hardware Projects Laboratory in this fly-through film