Ch. 71 Computer Fundamentals
Refer to this diagram of a fuel pump control circuit. What type of a driver circuit is used in this circuit?
High-side driver circuit
Which of the following statements is true of the storage function of computers?
Nonvolatile random-access memory (RAM) memory is used for the storage of odometer information in an electronic speedometer.
Which of the following statements is true of modern automotive control systems?
Automotive computers convert input information or data into voltage signal combinations to send and receive information.
Which term describes the speed of data transmission?
Baud rate
Which data set contains only two digits?
Binary
Two technicians were discussing the parts of a computer. Technician A stated that the microprocessor is considered the brain of a computer. Technician B stated that some computers use more than one microprocessor, called a coprocessor. Which of the following statements about this scenario is true?
Both technician A & technician B
Which term describes the process of manually adjusting variables such as speed, load, and spark timing to determine the optimum output settings for the computer?
Engine mapping
________ creates a three-dimensional performance graph that applies to a given vehicle and powertrain combination.
Engine mapping
Which item is a computer output device?
Evaporative emission control solenoid, Transmission shift solenoid, Fuel injector
A fuel injector can be an input or an output component.
False
Which of the following is a significant characteristic of a read-only memory (ROM)?
Read-only memory (ROM) retains data even when the power to the computer is shut off.
The "brain" of the computer is the ________.
CPU
The ratio of on time relative to the period of the complete cycle is the ________.
Duty cycle
Two technicians were discussing the ways to control the amount of vacuum flowing through a vacuum solenoid. Technician A stated that a pulse width modulation could be used. Technician B stated that a switched driver could be used. Which of the following statements about this scenario is true?
Only technician A
Which computer function describes how the computer handles inputs?
Process
Which of the following statements is true of pulse-width modulation (PWM)?
The ratio of on-time relative to the period of the cycle is referred to as duty cycle.
What unit of electricity is used as a signal for a computer?
Volt
The cycle time or clock speed is measured in ________.
megahertz
Analog signals from sensors are changed to digital signals for processing by the computer through which type of circuit?
Analog-to-digital converter
What two things can a vehicle computer actually perform (output)?
Turn something on or turn something off
Two technicians had different views on computer output devices. Technician A stated that the computer can vary the amount of time the injectors are held open. Technician B stated that the computer can control the flow of gasoline fumes from the charcoal canister to the engine. Which of the following statements about this scenario is true?
Both technicians A & B
Which computer component generates a steady stream of one-bit long voltage pulses?
Clock generator
Computer speed is measured in ________.
Clock speed (Hz)
All OBDII vehicles use what type of read-only memory?
EEPROM
Which component contains the information in the computer that is specific to the particular model vehicle?
EEPROM
Which of the following processes includes amplifying voltage signals that are too small for the computer circuitry to handle?
Input conditioning
The four basic computer functions include ________.
Input, processing, storage, and output
What does the baud rate in a computer represent?
It represents the speed of the computer.
Which sensor is used to measure manifold vacuum?
MAP
Two technicians were discussing the types of output drivers. Technician A stated that high-side drivers are transistors inside the computer that complete the ground path of relay coil. Technician B stated that low-side drivers control the power side of the circuit. Which of the following statements about this scenario is true?
Neither technicians A or B
Two technicians had different views on clock rates and timing. Technician A stated that the microprocessor communicates by transmitting long strings of 0s and 1s in a language called binary code. Technician B stated that a linear actuator is used to determine when one signal ends and another begins. Which of the following statements about this scenario is true?
Only technician A
The SAE term for the vehicle computer is ________.
PCM
Which item is a computer input sensor?
Throttle position angle, Engine coolant temperature, & RPM
A(n) ________ is an electrical or mechanical device that converts electrical energy into heat, light, or motion to control engine idle speed, suspension height, ignition timing, and other output devices.
actuator
Which of the following components is used to determine when one signal ends and another begins?
clock generator
The throttle position sensor is an output component.
false
Which computer function is defined as a voltage signal from a sensor or switch?
input
Which of the following basic functions of computers involves receiving voltage signals from sensors?
input
Identify the computer input sensor that is used to detect engine load using a signal from a sensor that measures the vacuum in the intake manifold.
manifold absolute pressure sensor
The task of performing essential mathematical operations and logic decisions is carried out by the ________.
microprocessor
Which of the following basic functions of computers most likely describes how input voltage signals received by a computer are handled through a series of electronic logic circuits maintained in its programmed instructions?
processing
Which of the following computer input sensors is used for engine control and the shift points of the automotive transmission/transaxle?
throttle position sensor