Internship and thesis opportunities

Description
The use of specific sensors for lifetime and predictive maintenance monitoring is increasing in the market. An example is a vibration sensor that detects the wear of bearings, mechanical stress, etc. As Picanol’s weaving machines are inherently highly susceptible to vibrations, they represent a perfect case study for this subject.
The goal is to look for a suitable vibration sensor and let it interface with a microcontroller. The collected data can then be post-processed to determine the normal operation. An anomaly in this pattern can then be seen as a possible wear-out of one of the mechanical/moving parts.

Your task

• Market study of possible vibration sensors.
• Build a test setup.
• Data analysis on measurements.
• Verify that data is trustworthy.
• Detect anomalies.

Contact
For more information, please contact Niels Deblieck:
e-mail: niels.deblieck@psicontrol.com
or T +32 57 409 647.

Description
For design testing purposes, we are always looking for better supplies to simulate different situations. For this reason, we will develop a four-quadrant synchronous converter with voltage and current measurement capabilities. The task of the student consists of both researching the concept and design of the board.

Your task

• Concept research of the four quadrants.
• Simulation of the design in LTspice.
• Schematic and PCB design in Altium.
• Test and debug your design in the lab.

Contact
For more information, please contact Luc Van Asch:
e-mail: luc.vanasch@psicontrol.com
or T +32 57 409 672.

Description

Electromagnetic compliance testing is time consuming, and results are only obtained when a prototype is available. If the results could be simulated in the design phase, a lot of risks could be minimized.
The goal of this project is to compare the radiated emission measurement of a known product in our EMC chamber with the simulated model of the same product.

Your task

• Setting up an electronic model in the simulation software.
• Create a radiated emission test template.
• Analyze real and simulated results.

Contact
For more information, please contact Arne Pannecoucque:
e-mail: arne.pannecoucque@psicontrol.com
or T +32 57 409 674.

Description
Labgrid, a Python-based framework, combined with pytest’s unit testing capabilities, allows for creating sophisticated test scenarios like automated GUI testing for touchscreens or LCDs, logging and replaying test sequences, etc.
By leveraging these powerful testing tools, the goal is to enhance automation, increase efficiency, and improve the reliability of both software and hardware testing.

Your task

• Design a platform with generic interfaces that executes automated tests.
• Implement several test procedures for actual devices.
• Generate and store reports with test results.
• Integrate with an automatic build server.

Contact
For more information, please contact Jürgen Logie:
e-mail: jurgen.logie@psicontrol.com
or T +32 57 229 677.

Description
Embedded vision involves integrating a camera with a microcontroller or microprocessor that has limited resources. Manufacturers are currently enhancing their products to efficiently run AI algorithms. This makes it worthwhile to explore the available hardware platforms with AI-optimized peripherals and compare them in terms of speed, power consumption, and other factors.

Your task

• Implement a camera on an embedded system.
• Investigate the capabilities of the TI and NXP platforms.
• Investigate algorithms for embedded vision.
• Make a demo application.

Contact
For more information, please contact Niels Deweerd:
e-mail: niels.deweerd@psicontrol.com.

Description
Psicontrol creates demonstrators using in-house hardware and software platforms to showcase technical proposals to clients. Our current highlight is the 4 inch concept, featuring a 4 inch HMI with an IPS display. As of today, it operates on main power, but our next objective is to transition to a battery-powered design.

Your task

• Investigate required hardware changes.
• Implement a software solution to decrease the power usage.
• Determine the best possible battery technology and capacity for this use-case.
• Design a demonstrator to showcase the low power consumption.

Contact
For more information, please contact Balthazar Deliers:
e-mail: balthazar.deliers@psicontrol.com.

Description
At Psicontrol, we are dedicated to developing electronic demonstrators that highlight our technological capabilities to customers, both in-house and at expos. Our latest prototype, a pump inverter, requires a fresh setup that clearly and attractively showcases its concept. This setup will be used in various locations, so it must be designed to be “travel-safe”.
After familiarizing yourself with Psicontrol’s technology, you will use your creativity to achieve an outstanding result!

Your task

• Understand the Psicontrol technology behind the demonstrator.
• Design a robust and visually appealing sales demonstrator.
• Build a prototype setup.

Contact
For more information, please contact Wouter Baert:
e-mail: wouter.baert@psicontrol.com.
or T +32 57 409 656.

Is your preferred subject not listed here? Don’t worry, we can still do our very best to provide you with an internship or thesis subject that is perfect for you.

Contact us via jobs@psicontrol.com or +32 57 409 696 to set up a meeting in which you can tell us about your interests so that we can propose a suitable subject for you.