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Subelement G6

Circuit Components

Section G6B

Analog and digital integrated circuits (ICs); microprocessors; memory; I/O devices; microwave ICs (MMICs); display devices

Which of the following is an analog integrated circuit?

  • NAND Gate
  • Microprocessor
  • Frequency Counter
  • Correct Answer
    Linear voltage regulator

(D). The linear voltage regulator is an example of an analog integrated circuit. The regulator works over a continuous range of voltages and currents to vary the current through the transistor to keep the output voltage linear (constant).

For more info see Wikipedia: Linear voltage regulator

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What is meant by the term MMIC?

  • Multi Megabyte Integrated Circuit
  • Correct Answer
    Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit
  • Military Manufactured Integrated Circuit
  • Mode Modulated Integrated Circuit

MMIC is the abbreviation for Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit.

This circuit is used for amplification, mixing, or switching in circuits operating at microwave frequencies (300 MHz to 300 GHz).

Hint: The actual name almost seems one of the least likely, but try to remember that the name refers to microwave frequencies.

Hint 2: MM in Latin is two thousand (2,000), a fairly huge number. "Monolithic" means huge.

Silly Hint: When you see the "MM" in MMIC think of saying "mmm" when you smell your food "Microwaved" (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit).

For more info see Wikipedia: Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC)

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Which of the following is an advantage of CMOS integrated circuits compared to TTL integrated circuits?

  • Correct Answer
    Low power consumption
  • High power handling capability
  • Better suited for RF amplification
  • Better suited for power supply regulation

CMOS circuits use only a very small amount of current when operating. The largest amount of current is used when the circuit is switching between "On" and "Off".

Hint: I think of it as a “Computer Mini Off Switch”, which uses very little power, like turning off the lights consumes less power.

Silly Hint: Moss can be found in Low places.

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What is meant by the term ROM?

  • Resistor Operated Memory
  • Correct Answer
    Read Only Memory
  • Random Operational Memory
  • Resistant to Overload Memory

(B). ROM is the abbreviation for Read Only Memory. This type of storage memory is used for programming steps or data which you want to prevent from being changed. It protects the data or programming from being changed or corrupted while the information is being accessed.

For more info see Wikipedia: Read-only memory

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What is meant when memory is characterized as non-volatile?

  • It is resistant to radiation damage
  • It is resistant to high temperatures
  • Correct Answer
    The stored information is maintained even if power is removed
  • The stored information cannot be changed once written

(C). When using non-volatile memory, the stored information is maintained even if power is removed. This is the type of memory used by hard discs, floppy discs, etc. The information is retained even if it is not connected to a power source.

For more info see Wikipedia: Non-volatile memory

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What kind of device is an integrated circuit operational amplifier?

  • Digital
  • MMIC
  • Programmable Logic
  • Correct Answer
    Analog

An integrated circuit operational amplifier operates as an ANALOG device, because it operates over a CONTINUOUS RANGE of voltage and current.

Hint: Analog devices react/operate in a continuous manner, whereas digital devices react/ in steps or increments.

For more info see Wikipedia: Analogue electronics

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Which of the following is an advantage of an LED indicator compared to an incandescent indicator?

  • Lower power consumption
  • Faster response time
  • Longer life
  • Correct Answer
    All of these choices are correct

(D) All of these choices are correct

The LED makers aren't lying when they say the bulbs last more than 10 years.

Recall that the incandescent light bulb is an ancient technology. It makes light by heating some wire to really hot temperatures, similar to a glowing piece of iron from the furnace. They take a while to "warm up", have notoriously low efficiencies and therefore higher power consumption, and often wear out since the filament is so hot it literally boils the atoms off slowly. Ever heard of a broken filament?

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How is an LED biased when emitting light?

  • Beyond cutoff
  • At the Zener voltage
  • Reverse Biased
  • Correct Answer
    Forward Biased

An LED is forward biased when emitting light. In other words, the Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights up when the current flows in the forward direction through the diode PN-junction and photons are given off.

Silly Hint: The Light will lead you Forward!

For more info see Wikipedia: Light-emitting diode

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Which of the following is a characteristic of a liquid crystal display?

  • Correct Answer
    It requires ambient or back lighting
  • It offers a wide dynamic range
  • It has a wide viewing angle
  • All of these choices are correct

The liquid crystal display requires ambient or back lighting. This type of display actually works by the thin layer of crystal blocking light transmission when activated rather than emitting light. This is why it requires a source of lighting, so that the areas of blocked light stand out to be read.

For more info see Wikipedia: Liquid crystal display (LCD)

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What two devices in an Amateur Radio station might be connected using a USB interface?

  • Correct Answer
    Computer and transceiver
  • Microphone and transceiver
  • Amplifier and antenna
  • Power supply and amplifier

(A). The USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface would likely be used to connect a computer and the transceiver in an amateur radio station. This type of cable interface allows for serial data streaming.

For more info see Wikipedia: USB (Universal Serial Bus)

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What is a microprocessor?

  • A low power analog signal processor used as a microwave detector
  • Correct Answer
    A computer on a single integrated circuit
  • A microwave detector, amplifier, and local oscillator on a single integrated circuit
  • A low voltage amplifier used in a microwave transmitter modulator stage

(B). The microprocessor is like a mini computer on a single integrated circuit. The microprocessor, as a programmable device, can perform many speciallized operations, modulations, or control functions in an electronic device.

For more info see Wikipedia: Microprocessors

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Which of the following connectors would be a good choice for a serial data port?

  • PL-259
  • Type N
  • Type SMA
  • Correct Answer
    DE-9

The DE-9, or 9-pin D-style connector is commonly used for data serial ports.


The DE-9 is part of the D-subminiature or D-sub group of connectors. This type of connector has a "D" shaped bar with 2 or 3 rows of pins; in the case of the DE-9, it has 9 pins.

This connector is often (mistakenly) referred to as a DB9 connector. The asymmetrical shape and pin arrangement prevents incorrect connections.

For more info see Wikipedia: D-subminiature connectors

Silly hint: "Data" starts with "D"

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Which of these connector types is commonly used for RF connections at frequencies up to 150 MHz?

  • Octal
  • RJ-11
  • Correct Answer
    PL-259
  • DB-25

The PL-259 connector is commonly used for RF service at frequencies up to 150 MHz. This is a part of the UHF group of connectors. The PL-259 has a plug with a central male pin and is usually used for connection of coaxial cable.

Hint: 5 is the middle figure in both PL-259 and 150 MHz.

For more info see Wikipedia: PL-259

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Which of these connector types is commonly used for audio signals in Amateur Radio stations?

  • PL-259
  • BNC
  • Correct Answer
    RCA Phono
  • Type N

The RCA Phono connector is the most commonly used for audio signals in amateur radio stations. Originally manufactured by the RCA company for their audio equipment they are now the standard red, white and yellow plugs used for connecting all types of audio equipment. Sometimes they are referred to as standard composite or component audio/video plugs.

For more info see Wikipedia: RCA connector

Silly hint: “Phono” sounds like phone, which is technology that uses audio.

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What is the main reason to use keyed connectors instead of non-keyed types?

  • Prevention of use by unauthorized persons
  • Correct Answer
    Reduced chance of incorrect mating
  • Higher current carrying capacity
  • All of these choices are correct

Keyed connectors mean that the contact arrangements or body shapes are asymmetrical. This ensures that the connection can only be made in one orientation. This is particularly useful where reversing the connections might damage the equipment.

For more info see Wikipedia: Keyed connector

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Which of the following describes a type N connector?

  • Correct Answer
    A moisture-resistant RF connector useful to 10 GHz
  • A small bayonet connector used for data circuits
  • A threaded connector used for hydraulic systems
  • An audio connector used in surround-sound installations

The Type N connector is a moisture-resistant RF connector useful up to 10 GHz.


The Type N is often used for coaxial cable connections, and has a threaded plug similar to a PL-259 but with a moisture-resistant gasket. This type of connector is especially useful for antenna connections not only for its "water-tight" capabilities, but also because it has the same 50-ohm impedance as coaxial cable, and so impedances are matched.

Most manufacturers claim consistent performance up to 11 GHz and many use it up to 18 GHz.

For more info see Wikipedia: Type N connector

Silly hint: “N” for “Nautical”. (Water). Thus, associated with “water-resistant”

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What is the general description of a DIN type connector?

  • A special connector for microwave interfacing
  • A DC power connector rated for currents between 30 and 50 amperes
  • Correct Answer
    A family of multiple circuit connectors suitable for audio and control signals
  • A special watertight connector for use in marine applications

(C). The DIN type connector is a family of multiple circuit connectors suitable for audio and control signals.


DIN stands for the Deutsches Institut fur Normung, the German Standards Organization. These connectors usually are in the form of a circular plug, with an asymmetrical arrangement of pins with an orientation notch on the bottom. This keys the connector to prevent incorrect mating of the pin contacts.

For more info see Wikipedia: DIN and Mini-DIN connectors

Silly Hint: Audio transmission is noise, and DIN is another word for noise.

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What is a type SMA connector?

  • A large bayonet connector usable at power levels in excess of 1 KW
  • Correct Answer
    A small threaded connector suitable for signals up to several GHz
  • A connector designed for serial multiple access signals
  • A type of push-on connector intended for high voltage applications

An SMA connector is A small threaded connector suitable for signals up to several GHz.


SMA is an acronym for a SubMiniature version A.

To eliminate distractors, note that SMA does not stand for serial multiple access. Also, an SMA is a miniature connector—so not a "large bayonet connector". Lastly, this is not a connector that is specialized for high power or high voltage.

This type of connector is usually used for smaller gauge coaxial cable. It is especially useful for handheld transceiver or other antenna connections because the SMA connector has a 50 ohm impedance, matching that of the coaxial cable, allowing for excellent performance.


Silly Hint: SMA is the the first three letters of the word “small.” There is only one choice of answers with the word “small” in it.

For more info, see Wikipedia: SMA (SubMiniature version A Connector)

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