Why are my CMOS logic circuits so hot?

Some may think that digital circuits, especially using CMOS and BiCMOS, are simple to design. However, like most things in life, professionals who have many years of experience make the jobs look easy! The circus performer effortlessly juggles many items. The concrete finisher creates a smooth surface, and a top chef creates a gourmet meal in a snap. Now back to circuit design. Isn't digital design just stringing together some logic gates?

What can be simpler than designing with CMOS and BiCMOS? These technologies are very easy to use but they still require careful design. This tutorial discusses the odd case of circuits that seem to work but exhibit some peculiar behaviours— including burning the designer's fingers!

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Originally published by Maxim Integrated Products Inc. at www.maximintegrated.com as "It's Hot! Why Are My CMOS Logic Circuits Burning Up?".