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Digital Electronics and Microprocessors Flashcards

7 cards from real AET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which test instrument captures and simultaneously displays multiple digital signal states to aid in troubleshooting microprocessor-based avionics?

    Answer: Logic analyzer

    A logic analyzer captures multi-channel digital signals and displays them as timed waveforms, making it ideal for debugging data bus and microprocessor faults.

  2. What is the primary purpose of BITE (Built-In Test Equipment) in avionics systems?

    Answer: It continuously monitors and tests system functions automatically

    BITE continuously monitors avionics LRU health, generates fault codes, and stores maintenance data to assist technicians in diagnosing failures quickly.

  3. What distinguishes a microcontroller from a standalone microprocessor?

    Answer: A microcontroller integrates CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals on a single chip

    A microcontroller combines the CPU, RAM, ROM, and I/O ports onto one chip, making it a self-contained computing system suitable for embedded avionics control.

  4. Why is EEPROM commonly used for storing calibration and configuration data in avionics line replaceable units (LRUs)?

    Answer: It can be electrically erased and reprogrammed in-circuit without physical removal

    EEPROM allows data to be updated in the field using standard avionics programming tools without removing the memory chip from the circuit.

  5. When a logic probe indicates a 'pulsing' or 'active' state at a test point, this means the signal is:

    Answer: Rapidly toggling between HIGH and LOW states

    A pulsing indication on a logic probe means the probe is detecting transitions between HIGH and LOW, confirming the signal is active.

  6. What is the primary function of a watchdog timer in an avionics microprocessor system?

    Answer: Reset the processor if software fails to respond within a defined time interval

    A watchdog timer resets the CPU if the running software fails to periodically reset the timer, preventing the system from being stuck in a software fault state.

  7. Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) represents each individual decimal digit using how many bits?

    Answer: 4 bits

    BCD encodes each decimal digit (0–9) as a 4-bit binary group, which requires 4 bits to represent values up to 9.