THE MAGIC OF MARGINAL ELECTRONICS

Much of the excitement in both research and practical engineering lies in the exploration of the 'margins', or boundaries and limits, betwee n what is just feasible and what is impossible. Electronics has a part icular fascination because, unlike other branches of engineering, its workings are almost invisible, and its power to perform useful tasks i s so great as to be almost magical. A good understanding of the fundam ental limits of the laws of science and of the rules of thumb or desig n rules of current technology are needed for the margins of engineerin g achievement to be pushed forward safely and effectively. The paper c ontains a personal selection of laws and rules and their application i n the fields of radio, control, digital electronics and speculative fu ture communications.