Question 1

____ induction sensors use the principle of inducing a voltage into a winding by use of a moving magnetic field.

Accepted Answer

Magnetic induction sensors use the principle of inducing a voltage into a winding by use of a moving magnetic field.

Question 2

The best way to test the performance of Hall-effect inputs is to use a(n) ____.

Accepted Answer

The best way to test the performance of Hall-effect inputs is to use a lab scope, as it can display the waveform and provide a detailed analysis of the signal. An ammeter can measure current, but it cannot provide insight into the signal shape and characteristics. A DMM can measure voltage and current, but it lacks the ability to display waveform and analyze signals. A voltmeter can measure voltage, but it cannot provide detailed analysis of the signal.

Question 3

A ____ is a series-parallel arrangement of resistors between an input terminal and ground.

Accepted Answer

A Wheatstone bridge is a circuit that consists of four resistive arms, typically arranged in a diamond shape. It is commonly used for measuring unknown resistance values or sensing changes in resistance. The circuit is powered by an input voltage applied across two opposite corners of the diamond, with the output voltage taken across the other two corners. By adjusting the resistances in the bridge, the output voltage can be made to vary in response to changes in the input voltage or changes in one or more of the resistances. The Wheatstone bridge is a series-parallel arrangement of resistors, which gives it its characteristic behavior.

Question 4

When inspecting magnetoresistive sensors, all of the following must be checked EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Proper contact between the sensor and the tone wheel is not a necessary check for magnetoresistive sensors.

Question 5

A thermistor is a solid-state ____ made from a semiconductor material that changes resistance as a function of temperature.

Accepted Answer

A thermistor is a type of variable resistor that changes its resistance with temperature. Other options such as transducer, voltage regulator, and conductor do not accurately describe the function of a thermistor.

Question 6

A photo cell describes any component that is capable of measuring or determining ____.

Accepted Answer

A photo cell is a component that is capable of measuring or determining light.

Question 7

Pressure switch circuits are ____ type switches.

Accepted Answer

Pressure switch circuits are simple on-off switches that activate or deactivate a circuit based on a change in pressure. They do not convert pressure into another form of energy or sense pressure levels.

Question 8

The _______________ resistor assures the proper low-voltage reading by preventing float when the switch is open.

Accepted Answer

A pull-down resistor ensures a predictable voltage level when a switch is open by providing a path to ground for the current. This prevents the voltage from floating to an undefined level and ensures that the low-voltage reading is accurate.

Question 9

A high voltage on the three-wire potentiometer sensor's signal circuit would most likely be caused by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

An open in the signal circuit can cause a high voltage reading because the circuit is not complete, leading to a lack of current flow and a potential difference across the open circuit.

Question 10

Piezoelectric devices are used to measure ____ by the generation of voltage.

Accepted Answer

Piezoelectric devices are primarily used for measuring pressures by applying pressure that generates a voltage output.

Question 11

It is becoming more common for manufacturers to use a(n) ____ temperature sensor instead of in-vehicle temperature sensors.

Accepted Answer

Infrared temperature sensors are non-contact sensors that can measure temperature from a distance, making them more versatile and accurate than in-vehicle temperature sensors. They are also less affected by external factors such as air flow and vibrations, making them a better choice for industrial environments where temperature accuracy is critical.

Question 12

____ occurs when the switch is open resulting in the input to the voltage-sensing circuit of the control module being susceptible to electrical noise that may cause the control module to misread the switch state.

Accepted Answer

When a switch is open, it creates a situation known as "floating" where there is no clear voltage state in the circuit. This can make the input to the voltage-sensing circuit susceptible to electrical noise, leading to misreading of the switch state. Pull-up and pull-down circuiting are mechanisms used to establish a clear voltage state when a switch is open or closed, respectively. Multiplex switching is a type of circuit used in electronics to allow multiple devices to share a single input/output line.

Question 13

Most motion and speed sensors use a(n) ____ as the sensing element or sensed target to detect rotational or linear speed.

Accepted Answer

Magnets are commonly used in motion and speed sensors as the sensing element or sensed target because their interaction with magnetic fields allows for the detection of rotational or linear speed changes.

Question 14

A piezoresistive sensor changes in ____ value as the pressure applied to the sensing material changes.

Accepted Answer

A piezoresistive sensor changes in resistance value as the pressure applied to the sensing material changes.

Question 15

One form of feedback is for the computer to monitor ____ as a switch, relay, or other actuator is activated.

Accepted Answer

Monitoring voltage would be the most appropriate feedback when monitoring the activation of a switch, relay, or actuator as it would directly reflect whether or not the component is receiving power and functioning properly. Resistance, capacitors, and gauges would not provide as direct or relevant feedback in this scenario.

Question 16

Pressure switches will usually use a(n) ____ that works against a calibrated spring or other form of tension.

Accepted Answer

Pressure switches commonly use a diaphragm that flexes in response to changing pressure. This flexing works against a calibrated spring or other form of tension to actuate the switch. Electromagnets, levers, and piezoelectrical devices are less commonly used in pressure switches.

Question 17

Instead of using a silicon diaphragm, the capacitance discharge sensor uses a ___________ capacitor.

Accepted Answer

The capacitance discharge sensor uses a variable capacitor instead of a silicon diaphragm to measure pressure changes. The variable capacitor changes its capacitance based on the distance between the capacitor plates, which is determined by the pressure applied to the plates.

Question 18

By monitoring the thermistor's resistance value, the computer is capable of observing very small changes in ____.

Accepted Answer

A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance changes with temperature. By monitoring the thermistor's resistance value, the computer can observe small changes in temperature.

Question 19

A potentiometer sensor can be used to measure linear or ____ movement.

Accepted Answer

A potentiometer sensor measures changes in resistance as the physical position or rotary movement of a signal is changed, making it suitable for measuring rotary movement. It is not designed to measure stationary, feedback or roll-over movements.

Question 20

____ refers to the sensor signal being as constantly proportional to the measured value as possible.

Accepted Answer

Linearity refers to how closely a sensor's output follows a straight line when plotted against the input signal. A linear sensor will have a constant proportionality between the output and input signal, ensuring that the output is a reliable representation of the measured value.

Quiz 9: Computer Inputssensor Diagnostic Routines