GVSU center helps local companies design, test devices for marketplace

A center at Grand Valley State University is working with West Michigan companies to develop and test new electrical products entering the marketplace. The Electromagnetic Compatibility Center (EMC), which pairs students with local companies, is the first of its kind in West Michigan.

The center, located at 609 Watson St. near the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, provides pre-compliance testing, design support and education. The 4,000-square-foot center includes a compliance lab and seminar room.

Bogdan Adamczyk, professor of electrical engineering, noticed a need for the center two years ago. “West Michigan is an area of innovation and growth. Many big research universities have EMC research centers, but I’ve never heard of one that offers precompliance testing for local companies and provides a practical experience for students,” he said.

All electrical devices must be certified for EMC compliance, explained Adamczyk. “If a device is not approved, the design must be altered and tested some more, which can be expensive and time consuming for small- to medium-sized companies. They can come to the center to continue testing expediently and at an attractive rate,” said Adamczyk.
 
The lab includes measurement and diagnostic tools, including three chambers that measure radiated emissions and immunity of electronic devices. Two additional chambers are currently being assembled. Adamczyk said the center has helped several companies already.

“Entry-level engineers who specialize in electromagnetic compatibility are in high demand,” he said. “Any company that develops and builds electrical devices needs EMC engineers.”

The School of Engineering in the Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing currently has nearly 1,800 enrolled students, a record. About 200-250 students are majoring in electrical engineering.