THE MAGAZINE FOR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Circuit Cellar Online offers articles illustrating creative solutions
and unique applications through complete projects, practical
tutorials, and useful design techniques.

WHAT'S YOUR ENGINEERING QUOTIENT?

Problem 1—Johnny is tasked with designing the trigger circuit for the free world's latest super-secret weapon. This circuit must be built on a double-sided PCB to reduce cost and it must operate in an extremely noisy environment with considerable ESD and EMI.

The device is triggered by an edge-triggered signal called "Fire" between U1 and U2. Johnny is concerned about ground loops in the PCB layout so he made sure there are no "loops" in the ground copper on the PCB by leaving an opening in the ground trace surrounding the PCB (see the figure).

Explain why we are all doomed.

ANSWER

Problem 2—In the world of computer science, what is a critical section?

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