Electrical and human feedback

In this paper, the difference between simple and complex research projects is explained and shown with two technical examples. One example is an analog pad driver for a microelectrode array in which as little feedback as possible was used in order to make it possible that one designer could design, layout and characterize it in two weeks, getting it first time right. Another example is a MEMS accelerometer that uses feedback around the full system to reach extraordinary performance: 19-bit SDNR over 300-Hz bandwidth with sufficient long-time offset stability for inertial navigation. Achieving this required special care in the project set-up. The main conclusions of this paper are philosophical rather than technical: There is a fundamental difference between simple and complex projects. Complex electrical feedback structures cause complex human feedback structures. Faced with complexity, designers should choose intuitively rather than rationally or analytically. And finally, the main determinant for the success of a complex project is the experience of the team members and the level of trust in the project team.