(by Amulya Srestha, Engineering Team)
This past week, the engineering team designed the resistance temperature detector (RTD). We were able to use computer-aided design (CAD) software called AutoCAD to design our RTDs. The software helps us design our RTD in order to print out a mask that can be used during photo lithography to fabricate the RTD sensor.
We also analyzed other microcontrollers to replace the one that we are currently using due to the obstacles we were facing with the current microcontroller. We were able to research and order the new microcontroller. Another task that we completed was the finalization of the EAGLE schematic. This schematic lets us fabricate a printed circuit board (PCB) of our constant current source, an Anderson Loop. This helps us reduce the size and maintain a flat surface.
Finally, we prepared a presentation to inform our colleagues in the SCIART program about the background of our project and the development. We were also able to discuss the problems we were facing and address questions that our colleagues had. We had an open table discussion which informed us on the research of the chemistry and biology team in the SCIART program. We were also able to receive feedback from our peers and Terry Weisser to optimize our design.