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90 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2026 net, regardless of its voltage potential, can serve as a GND for other nets. This also validates the im- plication that GND is not always 0V or 0A and that, in fact, GND will always have some current even if the voltage approaches 0V. Looking at another example of the circuit simula- tion with the GND moved to the middle rail shows that the voltages and currents remain unchanged; only the polarity changes based on the measure- ment of positive and negative relationships. In this circuit and simulation, the voltages are the same magnitude, but in the bottom loop they are of opposite polarity compared to the previous simulation. The only difference between these two circuits is where the ground (GND) is connected in the circuit. In conclusion, the use of "ground," which has historically implied 0V and 0A, should no longer be used in electronic circuits. Instead, RTN is more accurate and appropriate for what this signal/net does for our circuits. This also helps dispel the myth that this net provides ideal shielding. RTN reminds engineers that current will, indeed, flow in this net and, therefore, the voltage on this net, while approaching 0V, will not be an absolute 0V. This, in turn, reminds us of the non-ideal nature of the net and to ensure proper circuit analysis is completed and that all circuits operate as intend- ed. I-CONNECT007 Kristin Moyer is an instructor for the Global Electronics Association. Figure 4 Figures 3 and 4: In this second circuit and simulation example, the voltages are the same magnitude, but in the bottom loop they are of opposite polarity compared to the previous simulation. The only difference between these two circuits is where the ground (GND) is connected in the circuit.