Abstract: How can an interface change a happy face to a sad face? Engineers have happy faces when an interface works properly.Sad faces indicate failure somewhere. Because interfaces between microprocessors and ICs are simple—even easy—they are oftenignored until interface failure causes sad faces all around. In this article, we discuss a common SPI error that can be almostimpossible to find in a large system. Links to interface tutorial information are provided for complete information. Noise as a systemissue and ICs to minimize its effects are also described.