Albuquerque Journal

NMSU Gets Top-Notch Electronics Lab

LAS CRUCES— Engineering students at New Mexico State University have the opportunity to work with some of the most advanced electronics measurement equipment available— the same equipment they will likely use when they enter the work force.
   
A newly equipped electronics laboratory at NMSU is the result of a long-term relationship with Tektronix Inc.
   
"It is the most state-of-the-art electronics lab in the region and will allow our students to develop the skill sets to be productive upon graduation," Sonya Cooper, head of the engineering technology and surveying engineering department, said.
   
Through educational discounts and grants from the Tektronix Foundation, 19 mixed-signal oscilloscopes and 19 arbitrary-function generators were provided to NMSU at nearly half their commercial value of $221,000. NMSU provided matching funds for the equipment, which is used to test and analyze electrical circuitry.
   
"About three-fourths of the students in the engineering technology program will be exposed to this equipment, as well as students from other engineering departments," said Associate Professor Tom Jenkins. Faculty and staff will utilize the equipment for research projects.
   
The laboratory will be used in lower-level classes to allow students to demonstrate theory and look at various electronic designs that have been presented as an exercise. Upper-level students will use the equipment to test electronic devices that they have built, such as computer boards. Such capstone projects are a requirement for graduation in engineering.
   
"As their skill levels increase, students will have equipment that will keep pace with the complexity of the problems they are working on," said Jenkins. "Tektronix is a leader in industry. Our students will be experienced in using this equipment when they go to work for companies like Intel or Motorola." 

The Tektronix/NMSU partnership began 19 years ago with senior account manager Michael Portillo.
   
"When I started with Tektronix, I saw the void between what the schools were working with and the state-of-the-art equipment used in industry," Portillo said. "I saw there was an opportunity to help the school through the Tektronix Foundation."