CSS Labs

The Division of Computing & Software Systems (CSS) utilizes cutting edge technology and research tools as an integrated part of its curriculum. From a technical point of view, our laboratories offer a diverse mix of platforms and software that go beyond typical desktop computing. But the labs are not merely places to house computers – they also serve as hubs for collaboration, discussion, seminars, and social activities.

  1. UW Bothell CSS Wiki
  2. Lab access and support
  3. Advanced Projects Lab
  4. Open Lab
  5. Embedded Systems Lab

UW Bothell CSS Wiki

For general information about the CSS labs, how to access them remotely, and other software-specific instructions and how-to guides please visit the UW Bothell CSS Wiki.


Lab access and support

Lab access is restricted to students taking CSS classes and only granted for the quarter in which a student is enrolled. You may use the labs during building hours, which are always posted on building entrances. Building hours may differ during summer, inter-quarter breaks, and holidays.

You can access CSS computer labs using your Husky ID Card:

  1. Tap your UW Husky Card on the card reader next to the door.
  2. Listen for a click (the red light on card reader should blink).
  3. Pull open the door (Note: the door handle will not turn).

Card not working?

To replace or activate your card, visit Campus Safety. If Campus Safety cannot activate the card, contact one of the following:

Logging into Linux machines

Once you are enrolled in a CSS class you will be automatically given access to the Linux lab machines. To log in, use your UW NetID and password. If you are unable to connect, send mail to uwbit@uw.edu with your name, student ID number, and NetID.

If accessing the machines from the internet, use PuTTY (SSH) if connecting from Windows, SSH Secure Shell, or other SSH2 client to connect and run command-line programs or to transfer files. Detailed instructions can be found on the UW Bothell CSS Wiki.

Additional support

For support questions and to report any issues with the equipment in the labs, send an email to the IT helpdesk at uwbit@uw.edu.


Advanced Projects Lab (INV-310)

Important: Undergraduate access to room 310 is only granted through the permission of a CSS professor, and graduate student access renews every quarter the student is enrolled.

The Advanced Projects Lab is available to student groups who are actively working on research projects with CSS faculty. The lab consists primarily of dedicated machines purchased through faculty research grants.

In addition to research workstations, the Advanced Projects lab is focused on team collaboration and provides tools such as a large conference table with 40″ display, soft seating, mobile whiteboards, and whiteboard topped tables available for students and faculty. There is also a small lounge area with couches to provide students a quiet study area.


Open Lab (INV-141)

This is a drop-in laboratory that serves all CSS courses that require Windows, Linux, and MacOS software. The lab has six Dell Precision 3280 workstation running Windows 11 with an Intel Core i9 14th Gen processor, 64GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF 20GB GPU, four Exxact Desktops running Rocky Linux, and two iMacs. All Windows and Linux workstations are configured with a 34″ monitor setup.

There is also one machine housed in an e-podium, along with a variety of audio-visual equipment, and connected to a ceiling-mounted data projector. The e-podium is used for seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, group design reviews, and social activities sponsored by student organizations.

Besides the computer and A/V equipment, the CSS Open Lab has multiple whiteboards, printers, a few tables, and comfortable chairs for group projects. In addition, the Open Lab has one large team room with two large TV monitors, and three small team rooms with a TV monitor for collaboration, discussions, homework, and quiet study. The lab also has a small refrigerator and microwave, courtesy of the CSS program, for student use.


Embedded Systems Lab (DISC-362)

The Embedded Systems Lab is a teaching lab consisting of 12 stations that include a wide range of systems testing and build tools. Each station has a Dell Precision 3280 workstation running an Intel Core i9 14th Gen processor with 64GB of RAM and an NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF 20GB GPU. A suite of software tools rounds out the lab and provides for an exciting opportunity to explore developing systems.

The heart of the embedded systems lab is twelve experimental stations that accommodate two students each. Each station has a Dell Precision 3280 workstation, a DC power supply, a multimeter (voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, temperature, etc.), a picoscope (computer-based oscilloscope providing more functions than a typical oscilloscope) and a function generator. The lab is focused on the Arduino microcontroller with at least two different models available at each workstation. The Arduino functionality is extended by a variety of daughter boards and custom-designed experimental boards.

Experiments include:

  • Setting the internal registers of a microcontroller
  • Measuring temperature and sharing the results between microcontrollers
  • Designing interrupt-driven systems
  • Reading inputs from a keypad
  • Using a microcontroller to produce music
  • Wireless communication
  • Control of servomotors
  • Localization from GPS and Inertial Measurement Unit
  • Object detection and ranging from sonar or laser
  • Designing a message display

Students will normally design and build their own project.

Other laboratory hardware includes:

  • Standard oscilloscope
  • Soldering stations and hand tools
  • A wide range of electronic and electro-mechanical components
  • Small vehicle chassis
  • Full scale self-driving vehicles

Besides the standard CSS software and Ardunios, this lab also includes specialized embedded systems such as Tiva, Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano microcontrollers with their own screens and keyboards