ADSL Resources

Once you have decided on a project, or perhaps while you are trying to figure out if a project idea is feasible, you will need to obtain the necessary parts. The following are ways you can obtain those parts:

1. ADSL

You can always look around the ADSL for stray parts. If you see some components you like that are part of a past project, please ask either the Professor or the TA before taking them. There are some 74xx chips (the kinds of TTL chips used in ECE 395: AND, OR, NAND, NOR, MUX, Counters, etc.) in the ADSL office. Please ask the TA for these. The ADSL also has the following items that can be checked out from the TA: protoboards, lockers, and kits that contain a power supply, wirebox, multimeter, and protoboard.

There are also many external sources for parts:

For Small Components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, switches, etc.):

2. ECE Parts Shop

Located right across the hall from the ADSL is the ECE Parts Shop. They have many small electronic components, can make simple PCB's (printed circuit boards) in about a week, and also have some modules available such as HC-12 microcontroller prototyping boards. Their website, found at the following web address, has a listing of their parts:

http://www.ece.uiuc.edu/eshop/

You can order parts (free of charge) by filling out a parts request form that can be found on the desk just inside their door.

3. ECE Storeroom

The ECE Storeroom is in the basement (Room 60 EL), and has more parts and various small items. Their website contains a catalog and can be found at:

http://www.ece.uiuc.edu/ecestores/

To order something from them, you will have to see the TA. The TA can either sign a form allowing them to charge the items you want to the lab account, or else the TA will accompany you downstairs to make the purchase. Through the storeroom, you can also order parts from many major electronics distributors such as Digi-Key and Newark. Parts ordered in this manner usually take no more than a week to arrive.

4. Local stores

If you cannot find what you need in the Parts Shop or the Storeroom, then you may go to local stores to buy things and bring us the receipt for reimbursement. HOWEVER, YOU MUST CHECK WITH US FIRST BEFORE DOING THIS. YOU SHOULD ONLY DO THIS AS A LAST RESORT!

ADSL Resources (Continued)

For both large and small components:

5. Companies

If you cannot find a part you need in the lab, Parts Shop, or Storeroom, then you can order parts directly from a company. There are order forms on a clipboard that is hanging on the wall with the windows in the larger lab room. Fill one out (call the company if you don't know the FEIN number...they'll know what it is or how to get it), and give it to either the Professor or the TA. Some companies may also be willing to donate components--please ask if they will donate before purchasing them. Orders submitted in this way usually take 1-2 weeks to arrive, but they sometimes take more. Submit these orders as early in the semester as possible!

Metalwork and Woodwork:

6. Machine Shop

If you need some kind of special chassis or other structure/enclosure for your project, you can give your design specs to the Machine Shop in the basement, and they should be able to make what you need. Note that they can be really busy sometimes, and orders can take weeks to be completed.

In general, when looking to purchase a part that is not already in the ADSL, please check the above places in this order:

1. ECE Parts Shop

2. ECE Storeroom

3. Donation from a company

4. Order from a company

5. Local stores <= Make sure you let the Professor or the TA know before you do this one!