:PROPERTIES: :ID: 65a44442-3fdd-4c6a-8ea6-d9490dfd7179 :mtime: 20231018033439 :ctime: 20231018033436 :END: #+title: tips for building a circuit #+filetags: :public:project: * Tips for building a circuit These are tips to help you when building a circuit. These tips are useful for [[id:9e0f8a78-027b-4dab-8e23-1f739fc5c140][Digital Electronics Hardware Labs]]. * Wire Up Power first If you are using IC packages, wire up the 5V power supply and ground connections first because CMOS circuits can power up from their pins * Connects Unused Inputs to GND Ensure that all unsused gate inputs on an IC package are conencted to ground. CMOS circuits have a very high input resistence, hence any small currents they pcik up can be translated into voltages that can cause random switching of the gate. This can give rise to high power consumption of mis-operation of the other gates on the same package. * Debugging using scopre If a circuit ** Testing Pins use the scope to ensure that all the IC Package pints expected to be either 5 volts or 0 volts are actually correct * Fault-Finding WHen fault-finding, it is best to check the inputs of a component and then check the corresponding output. If the output signals are not at either 0 volts of 5 volts (for example, 2 volts), this indicates there is a wiring problem at the output. Often, you have connected 2 outputs together. * Chips getting hot If a chip gets hot, or you smell burning smell, you have probably connected the power supply incorrectly.