Homework Assignment Due Wednesday November 29, 2000.

In the microwave oven example below, the hazard we are concerned with is irradiation of the user.

1. Assuming that the door is opaque to microwave radiation, describe the hazardous state of the system that we are trying to avoid.
2. In your estimation, what is the time tolerance for this hazard. Explain your reasoning.
3. From a safety perspective, should the closed signal generate an interrupt or should it be polled?
4. From a safety perspective would you want the uWave generator to be enabled by a high or low voltage on the control input? Explain.
5. Give an example of the fewest number of faults (component failures) that could lead to a radiation hazard.
6. Suggest a few ways to increase the overall safety of the system.