During my internship with MIMiC Systems Inc., I was responsible for the circuit design and analysis project of the company's air conditioning system. The project included designing the thermistor controller board, main control board, and TEA controller board. The design and development of these control boards help the company to reach the goal of designing highly efficient air conditioners. These control boards enable the air conditioning system to control temperature and energy consumption more precisely, thereby enhancing the product's energy efficiency and competitive edge in the market. Currently, the project is in the prototype development stage, testing and optimizing various circuit designs to ensure the performance of the final product.

For this project, I primarily applied my skills in circuit design and PCB fabrication, which I acquired through my studies at Columbia. I used KiCad software to design the PCBs and personally handled the submission of files and soldering of all PCB components. Additionally, I participated in the analysis of power supply selection and voltage converters, requiring me to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications to ensure that the chosen power supplies and converters met the voltage and power requirements of the control boards and the overall system. Through these practices, I deepened my understanding of the functionality of electronic components and system integration and enhanced my engineering practice capabilities.

The main challenge during my internship was ensuring that all the designed PCBs functioned properly in practical applications. This included precise analysis of schematics, optimization of PCB layouts, and quality control during the soldering process. Another challenge was selecting appropriate power supplies and 48V voltage converters, which involved in-depth technical analysis and comparison of various options available on the market to ensure they met our strict requirements for efficiency and stability.

This internship profoundly demonstrated the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Every detail in the practical operation of PCB design and fabrication significantly affects the performance and reliability of the product. Additionally, through collaboration and technical discussions with team members, I learned how to communicate effectively and solve problems, which will greatly benefit my career development. I also gained deeper insights into the electronics manufacturing industry, especially in the development of high efficiency products. I look forward to applying these valuable experiences to my future work and research.