The core capabilities of the IPF for development of specific research equipment are brought together in the Research Technology Division. The close cooperation of engineers from different fields of work right from the start of the projects allows the parallel and coordinated development of mechanics, electronics and software. In this way comprehensive solutions can be found and the whole development process can be optimized. The following services are provided:

Concept Planning

• Development of new measurement methods and systems in collaboration with the scientific departments
• Making proposals for the technical realization of new ideas
• Working out concepts for production of new research equipment (taking into account devices and parts available on the market): Defining internal and external services; preparing task schedules for coordinated development of mechanics, electronics and software; estimating time and costs

Mechanical Design

• Design of devices and components with 3D-CAD (Inventor) having regard to the manufacturing technologies available
• Structural analysis and simulation
• Deriving engineering drawings from 3D-models or creating files for CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)
• Manufacturing in in-house workshop (> Manufacturing Technologies); technologies that are internally not available can be ordered through well established contacts to external resources

Electronics Development and Production

• Development of electronic circuits for LF and HF technique (e.g. NMR technique) and for measurement and automation technology (e.g. X-ray measurement technology, specific drive controllers etc.)
• Development of interfaces for PC-controlled systems
• Implementation and programming of microprocessors
• Generation of circuit layouts, production of printed circuit boards, conventional and SMD assembly, front-end design
• Repair of electronic devices

Software Development and Instrumentation

• Set-up of PC-based measurement and control systems
• Creating measurement computer programs and user interfaces (LabView) for control, data processing and data visualization
• Networking of computers and measurement systems by Ethernet, TCP/IP, GPIB, USB, RS232
• Preparing instruction manuals and tech sheets