Electronic engineers come to see these 29 mistakes, have you ever committed?
Don't assume that the "bug-free forever" program is something only scientists and engineers who love to make mistakes would pursue. The electronic lion in siege is no exception! The truth is, many times, engineers don't even realize they're making mistakes—they believe they've found a better solution and are excited about it.
When dealing with a large number of components and complex circuit diagrams, small errors are inevitable. Sometimes, these mistakes can lead to new discoveries, turning you into a pioneer of technological innovation!
For junior engineers, learning from the experiences of those before you can be incredibly valuable. If you’ve been tripped up by similar issues, it's time to avoid repeating them. Take a look at these 29 common mistakes—have you made any of them? Let’s check!
[Image: http://i.bosscdn.com/blog/o4/YB/AF/qtxWSAPxLxAACGLh4meNo525.png]
**Mistake 1: Cost Savings**
**Common Error:** What color should the panel indicator be? I like blue, so I'll go with that.
**Solution:** Indicator lights in red, green, yellow, and orange have been around for decades, with mature technology and low costs (under 5 cents). Blue LEDs, however, are relatively new and less stable, costing four to five times more. Unless there's a specific need (like displaying video signals), avoid using blue unless necessary.
**Common Error:** Why not just use a 5K resistor? It seems arbitrary.
**Solution:** 5K resistors aren’t standard. Closest options are 4.99K (1% accuracy) or 5.1K (5% accuracy), which cost 4–5 times more than 4.7K (20% accuracy). Choosing non-standard values increases cost significantly. Always stick to standard values unless precision is critical.
**Common Error:** Why not use a CPLD instead of a 74XX gate? It looks more advanced.
**Solution:** 74XX gates are cheap and reliable. CPLDs are expensive and complicate production and documentation. For most applications, 74XX offers better value without sacrificing performance.
**Common Error:** Just use automatic routing on the PCB—it’s easier.
**Solution:** Automatic routing uses more space and increases manufacturing costs. Manual routing allows for better optimization of layout, reducing size and cost. Consider this when designing.
**Common Error:** We need the fastest chips for every component.
**Solution:** Not all parts require high-speed chips. Faster chips often double the cost and may cause signal integrity issues. Choose based on actual needs, not speed alone.
**Common Error:** Code efficiency isn’t important if it works.
**Solution:** Efficient code reduces CPU and memory usage, saving money. Optimizing software can yield significant savings, especially in embedded systems.
[Image: http://i.bosscdn.com/blog/o4/YB/AF/qtxWSABAN2AABq6QhTyRc746.png]
**Mistake 2: Reliability Design**
**Common Error:** We tested the board and found no issues—no need to check the manual.
**Solution:** Following chip specifications is crucial. Even if your board works now, changes in chip production could cause problems later. Always adhere to the manual.
**Common Error:** Users will follow the manual, so it’s not my fault if they make mistakes.
**Solution:** Human error is unavoidable. Design your system to handle possible user mistakes, such as incorrect button presses or wrong connections.
**Common Error:** The problem is on the other side—this isn’t my issue.
**Solution:** Ensure compatibility with external interfaces. Your design should protect against faults on the other side and recover gracefully once the issue is resolved.
**Common Error:** Software will fix everything.
**Solution:** Hardware must be robust. Even with good software, unexpected behavior can damage hardware. Design with safety in mind.
[Image: http://i.bosscdn.com/blog/o4/YB/AF/qtxWSAct_oAAD1k9-Kl38721.png]
**Mistake 3: System Efficiency**
**Common Error:** Interrupts are faster than polling.
**Solution:** While interrupts are real-time, too many can slow the system down. Polling can be more efficient if used correctly. A hybrid approach often works best.
**Common Error:** Increasing the CPU frequency will improve performance.
**Solution:** Performance depends on more than just CPU speed. Memory bandwidth and other factors may limit overall system speed.
**Common Error:** More cache means faster performance.
**Solution:** Too much cache can actually reduce performance. Use cache wisely, and optimize code for cache behavior.
**Common Error:** Default memory timing settings are fine.
**Solution:** Default settings are conservative. Adjusting timing can improve performance, sometimes by lowering the bus speed.
**Common Error:** Using DMA always improves data transfer speed.
**Solution:** DMA is efficient for large data blocks but adds overhead for small transfers. Use it judiciously.
**Common Error:** Two CPUs mean twice the power.
**Solution:** Parallel processing requires careful coordination. 1+1 doesn’t always equal 2. Plan carefully to minimize overhead.
[Image: http://i.bosscdn.com/blog/o4/YB/AF/qtxWSAO8N-AAB2hp6C2j8510.png]
**Mistake 4: Low Power Design**
**Common Error:** Pull-up resistors are safe and easy.
**Solution:** Not all signals need pull-ups. They consume power, especially in large systems. Only use them when necessary.
**Common Error:** We use 220V, so power consumption doesn’t matter.
**Solution:** Low power design reduces heat, extends device life, and lowers costs. Even with high voltage, power management is essential.
**Common Error:** Small chips don’t consume much power.
**Solution:** Chip power depends on pin current. A small chip can still draw significant current under load. Always consider power requirements.
**Common Error:** Unused I/O pins don’t matter.
**Solution:** Floating I/O pins can cause noise and power waste. Set them to output or pull them up/down.
**Common Error:** FPGA has extra logic, so it’s okay to leave it unused.
**Solution:** Unused logic consumes power. Minimize flip-flop usage to save energy.
**Common Error:** Reduce power by ignoring control signals.
**Solution:** Control signals like CS affect power. Use them to turn off unused chips.
**Common Error:** Power savings are only a hardware concern.
**Solution:** Software plays a big role. Efficient code reduces access and power use. Both hardware and software must work together.
**Common Error:** Overshoots are bad and must be matched.
**Solution:** Some overshoot is acceptable. Matching may increase power and reduce signal strength. Only match when necessary.
**Mistake 5: Signal Integrity**
**Common Error:** Simulations guarantee no issues.
**Solution:** Simulations are not perfect. Real-world conditions vary, and crosstalk can cause unexpected problems. Always leave some margin.
**Common Error:** More decoupling capacitors are better.
**Solution:** Too many capacitors add cost and complexity. Place them strategically, following manufacturer guidelines.
**Common Error:** Steeper edges are better for digital signals.
**Solution:** Steeper edges increase high-frequency content and interference. Use slower edges where possible to reduce noise.
**Common Error:** Matching signals is too complicated.
**Solution:** Impedance mismatches cause reflections. Match driving and receiving ends, and avoid unnecessary branches or vias.
**Common Error:** A 100MHz bus isn’t high frequency since the clock is only 8kHz.
**Solution:** Data is sampled based on control or clock edges. Ensure edge quality and timing, not just clock frequency.
I believe many junior engineers have faced similar challenges during their design process. If you’ve experienced any of these, share your story and help others avoid the same pitfalls. What low-level mistakes have you made? Let’s discuss and learn together!
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