The Co-op is the best part of Engineering at GV
James
Experience Information
Employer: ADAC Automotive
Job Title: CE/EE Engineering Co-op
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
ADAC automotive was founded in 1975 as a plastics company, but eventually grew into a larger tier 1 supplier of door handles and other interior and exterior components. They currently have about 1500 employees in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and India.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Most of my time here has been spent designing an end of line testing circuit for some of the handles we manufacture. This PCB reads the voltages in the handle and converts them into a byte. This data contains information on different states of the handle, such as lock/unlock and an open handle, as well as an error message.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I really applied what I learned in my Circuit Analysis and Embedded Systems classes. I learned how to use EAGLE software to design the circuit board, and I programmed the PIC using C and the MPLAB assembler as well as created drivers for communication with an LCD screen. I also learned how to use an LPKF rapid prototyping machine to create the circuit boards.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The feeling of a project that you've spent weeks on come together. Working hours on end designing and running prototype after prototype for it to just work. That feeling of seeing a project through is such a driving force for engineers, and I'm glad I got to experience that here.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I've learned a lot here, and definitely solidified my commitment to engineering. This is what I love. I know staying here at ADAC will help me grow as an engineer and as a person. This experience will help me throughout all of my other ventures in life, career and otherwise, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to be here.