Research Design Services (aka Electronics Lab) is an excellent resource for assistance in the repair, maintenance, fabrication, or purchase of electronics-related instrumentation and components.

Areas of expertise

  • Hardware design
  • Analog, digital, sensor circuits, electro-mechanical design
  • Sensors experience:
    • Temp
    • RH
    • PH
    • O2
    • Pressure
    • Strain
    • Current
    • Voltage
    • Light
    • Wavelength
    • CO
    • CO2 and more
  • Design–data acquisition and control
    • Example: Using LabView (graphical programming)
  • Control design
  • Logic-based controls (PLCs) and microcontrollers
  • Various custom test boxes
  • Indicators, switches, and controls
  • Exploring new technologies

Other serices offered include 3D printing, calibrations, and ESD compliancy checks.

Custom electronics equipment on a table

Custom design work

We welcome custom design work! Submit a request if you're interested.

Services and skillsets

We are here to assist you with a wide variety of electronics needs, including:

  • Low-cost solutions to many instrument/equipment issues
  • First line of defense versus expensive factory service calls
  • Repair, modifications, improvements, and maintenance
  • Troubleshooting assistance when your instrument isn't working
  • Technical assistance and resources, brainstorming solutions
  • Design resources, new equipment, equipment modifications
  • Instruments, equipment, and components assistance
  • Calibrations
  • ESD compliancy checks

Rates

  • Internal rate: $70/hr*  ($75/hr starting January 1, 2026)
  • Outside rate: $110/hr* ($120/hr starting January 1, 2026)

* Minimum 0.5 hour charge

Goals

Our goal is to keep labs, your equipment, and your experiements up and running!

Contact

Mike Estenson portrait

Mike Estenson

Electrical Project Engineer
michael-estenson@uiowa.edu
319-335-2113

Frequently asked questions

What items are available?
  • Wide selection of various integrated circuits (ICs)
  • Fuses (all sizes)
  • Power cords
  • Wire and cable
  • Grommets, knobs
  • Small screws, washers, nuts, standoffs, spacers
  • Connectors (power, test, PCs, data)
  • Various power supplies
  • Rheostats, infinite switches
  • Shrink tubing
  • Electrical tape, nuts, supplies
  • Batteries
  • LEDs, lamps, bulbs
  • Capacitors and inductors
  • Potentiometers
  • Packaging materials for small items
  • Various tools for loan out
  • Various instruments and equipment for loan out
    • Note: Small fees may apply
  • Thermocouple accessories, wire
  • Large selection of wire terminals (i.e. quick disconnects)
  • Relays, switches
  • Voltage regulators
  • Resistors, ¼ W to 10W+
  • Solder and solder accessories