Noise immunity vs. power: Evaluate the statement: “Power dissipation is a measure of a circuit’s noise immunity.”

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Noise immunity quantifies how robustly a logic circuit tolerates unwanted disturbances on its inputs and power rails. Power dissipation, by contrast, measures energy consumption. While some high-power families may incidentally enjoy larger noise margins, power alone is not the metric for immunity. This question separates these concepts.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Noise immunity is commonly evaluated using input noise margins: NMH = VOH(min) − VIH(min) and NML = VIL(max) − VOL(max).
  • Power dissipation depends on static leakage and dynamic switching losses under specified load and frequency.
  • Different logic families show varied relationships between power and margins.


Concept / Approach:
Noise immunity derives from logic-level thresholds and output drive guarantees, not directly from watts consumed. Designers compare VOH/VOL against VIH/VIL to calculate noise margins. Although higher supply voltages or stronger drivers (which may increase power) can improve margins, the definitive measure remains the margin equations, not power itself.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify correct measures: NMH and NML quantify immunity.Note that power is orthogonal: it reflects efficiency, thermal load, and battery life.Conclude that stating “power dissipation is a measure of noise immunity” is incorrect.


Verification / Alternative check:
Datasheets list noise margins and logic thresholds in separate tables from power characteristics, demonstrating that they are distinct specifications evaluated differently.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Correct/ECL-only/thresholded claims: These confuse correlation with causation; immunity is not measured in watts.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming a hotter, higher-power device is automatically more robust; always compute noise margins using the specified voltage levels and loads.



Final Answer:
Incorrect

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