Erratic BCD-to-decimal decoder behavior on breadboard A BCD-to-decimal decoder circuit behaves erratically on a wire-wrap protoboard, although scoped waveforms look reasonable. What is the most helpful advice to correct the problem?

Introduction / Context:
Decoders (such as BCD-to-decimal) are level-sensitive combinational devices. During input transitions, temporary invalid code combinations can occur and create momentary incorrect outputs called “glitches.” On protoboards, wiring capacitance and unequal path delays exacerbate this.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Breadboard/wire-wrap prototype with longer leads and skew.
• Scope may not capture brief hazards if bandwidth/triggering are not ideal.
• Decoder has an enable/strobe input.

Concept / Approach:
Glitch prevention uses a strobe (enable) to qualify decoding only after the inputs are stable. By gating outputs with a properly timed enable, momentary hazards do not propagate to the system.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize the conditions for hazards: multiple input bits switching nearly simultaneously.Use the decoder’s enable to latch or gate outputs only when inputs have settled (e.g., after a clock edge).Optionally buffer inputs with a register to guarantee synchronous, hazard-free transitions.

Verification / Alternative check:
After applying a strobe synchronized to stable inputs, erratic activations disappear, confirming glitches as the root cause.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Thermal intermittence is rare and would show temperature correlation.Bad connections are possible but would show persistent faults, not momentary decoding glitches aligned with transitions.Combining both suggestions (option d) spreads focus and ignores the most likely logic-timing cause.

Common Pitfalls:
Relying on a slow scope timebase that misses narrow pulses, and assuming stable logic when hazards are too brief to see easily.

Final Answer:
Glitches are probably causing false decoding; use a strobe (enable) to time the decoder input sampling.