Chapter 7: A Failed Attempt to Repair the Motherboard

"Xiaozi, why are you talking nonsense?" Chen Qiang's voice was filled with discomfort as he felt like an inadequate father. "I understand that you want to help the family and relieve me of the factory burden..."

Pouring the wine from the table into his stomach, Chen Qiang continued, "But this is beyond your abilities. The CNC machine tool is a high-tech and imported product from Germany. Your computer teacher may not have the knowledge to repair it, let alone you."

Chen Qiang sighed, "You're about to take the college entrance examination. Don't worry about this. I'll figure out how to handle it."

Although Chen Qiang said this, he truly had no viable solution. Even if he manages to escape the blame for the burned machine, his job at the factory will likely be lost.

Chen Qiang, consumed by depression, drowned his sorrows in drink. The feelings of powerlessness and incompetence weighed heavily on the middle-aged man, casting a somber cloud over the entire family.

Chen Xiao, understanding the weight on his father's shoulders, fell silent and focused on his meal.

Once dinner was finished, Chen Xiao retreated to his room.

He took out the burnt motherboard of the CNC machine tool and carefully examined it.

These machines were manufactured by German company Demag in 1995. The motherboard's size was larger compared to later models, and it was specifically designed to match a unique chip.

Repairing the original motherboard seemed nearly impossible, as most of them were severely damaged.

Upon closer inspection, Chen Xiao discovered that the motherboard's extensive damage resulted from a massive surge of current, which caused capacitors to fail and components to overheat, melting parts of the motherboard.

It occurred to Chen Xiao that there might be a question mark regarding whether the machine tool had a proper grounding wire. During his visit to the factory, he noticed the haphazard wiring with no signs of a ground wire.

While the motherboard could not be repaired, it could be rebuilt.

Given the current technology in the Xia Kingdom, reproducing the Demag motherboard was an impossible task. However, Chen Xiao realized he could design a new circuit, enlarging the main board and simplifying the precision-designed circuits, as long as the machine tool could function properly.

Chen Xiao aimed to make the circuitry as simple as possible, even if it meant having more circuits. This way, the factories in Jiangcheng or Jiangzhou would be capable of producing them.

In 1999 Xia Kingdom, although there was still a significant gap in integrated circuit production compared to overseas factories, there were already numerous IC OEM factories due to the rise of the VCD, DVD industry, and CNC machine tool industry.

While it would be difficult for these factories to design complex integrated circuits, they could follow step-by-step instructions to produce simpler integrated circuits.

Chen Xiao took out his workbook and began designing the new main board for the machine tool.

Starting from simple to complex, he created three different designs. The simplest design would have the most circuits but would be the easiest to produce. However, this design required the machine tool to accommodate a larger main board, which might not fit in its original position.

Despite the complexity of Chen Xiao's integrated circuit diagrams, their principles were simple and easy to maintain.

Late into the night, Chen Xiao completed his designs.

The lights were still on in Chen Qiang and Lin Hui's room, indicating their inability to sleep. Chen Xiao couldn't explain everything to them just yet; he wanted them to worry a few more days. Once they found a factory to manufacture the new main board, the issue would be easily resolved.

The following day marked the final day of the exams, with science in the morning and English in the afternoon.

Chen Xiao's proficiency in these subjects was unmatched.

During the English exam, Jiang Wei and Deng Chao continued their requests for answers, and Chen Xiao was more than willing to help.

Meanwhile, Su Qiao engaged Shen Wei in conversation before the English test, subtly expressing her superiority. Su Qiao purchased two bottles of Rising Sun Iced Black Tea and handed one to Shen Wei, stating, "Shen Wei, have you decided on which university you want to attend?"

In 1999, the college entrance examination system required students to take the exams first, then self-evaluate their scores, and finally fill out their university preferences. To attend their desired university, students needed excellent exam results and to carefully select their preferences, with a dash of luck required in the end.

Unaware of such circumstances, Shen Wei hesitated and replied, "I haven't made up my mind yet, maybe I'll go to Yanjing."

Although Shen Wei didn't directly mention her dream university, Yenching University, she yearned to be accepted there.

Su Qiao's eyes lit up at Shen Wei's response. She eagerly said, "Both Yanjing University and Shuimu University reserve a few spots for students from Jiangyang Province. They consider school recommendations and comprehensive school evaluations. If you have competition experience, that would be even better. This time, it seems that both universities will visit our school for recruitment. Your grades are excellent, and maybe the school will recommend you!"

Unbeknownst to Su Qiao, she was actually revealing a secret operation. Even though Su Qiao was excited, she couldn't disclose her intentions.

Shen Wei, unsure of the situation, replied, "I don't think it'll be me..."

Despite her response, Shen Wei secretly harbored a glimmer of hope.

Chen Xiao, understanding the inevitable outcome based on Su Qiao's words, handed Shen Wei a bottle of Shanquan Honey Water. "Honey is beneficial, so drink it in moderation. Mineral water promotes health."

Su Qiao was on the verge of exploding, unable to contain her sarcasm. "Some people won't even need to worry about the English test in the afternoon!"

Coming from a well-off family, Su Qiao had been tutored by a dedicated English teacher and frequently attended English summer camps. English was her strongest subject.