284. When measuring the characteristics of a small-signal amplifier, say for a radio receiver, one might be concerned with its “Noise…”?

A. Fundamental
B. Fall
C. Force
D. Figure
✅ The correct answer is option D.
“Noise figure” is one critical parameter for determining the “quality” of a low-noise, small-signal, amplifier, and perhaps more importantly, the sensitivity of the overall receiver system. It is especially important for VHF (very high frequency) – and higher frequency – designs where most of the undesired “noise” (noise that masks or overpowers the desired signals) is generated internal to the electronics itself. In HF (high frequency) applications, atmospheric noise plays a much larger role in determining overall useful sensitivity, so a circuit’s “noise figure” is less important.

285. What will a UPS be used for in a building?

A. To provide power to essential equipment
B. To monitor building electricity use
C. To carry messages between departments
D. To control lighting and power systems
✅ The correct answer is option A.
UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. Examples of equipment that may require a UPS supply are computers, fire detection systems, hospital operating theatre equipment and escape route lighting.

288. The Central Processing Unit is an embeded chip that acts as the ‘brains’ of a computer. What Intel chip was used in the Altair (the first real personal computer)?

A. 6502
B. 8080
C. 6400
D. 8286
✅ The correct answer is option B.
The Intel 8080 was a jazzed-up calculator chip. It was included in microcomputer kits which were little more than demonstration tools and did little except blink lights. Besides the 8080 chip, the Altair included a power supply, a front panel with a large number of lights and 256 bytes (not kilobytes) of memory. The kit sold for {$395} and had to be assembled.