Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

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

1. Low power consumption

2. High power handling capability

3. Better suited for RF amplification

4. Better suited for power supply regulation

The correct answer is: Low power consumption

The advantage of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) integrated circuits over TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) integrated circuits lies significantly in their low power consumption characteristics. CMOS technology draws much less power when in a static state, which results in less heat generation and improved efficiency. This low power advantage is particularly beneficial in battery-operated or portable devices, as it enables longer life and reduced energy costs. In contrast, TTL circuits typically consume more power continuously, regardless of whether they are actively switching states or remaining idle. This difference is crucial when designing circuits that need to maximize battery life or minimize thermal impact. While the other options mention advantages related to power handling and specific application suitability, they do not accurately reflect the core benefit of CMOS technology compared to TTL in common usage. CMOS is not particularly recognized for high power handling capability or being better suited for RF amplification or power supply regulation when compared with TTL under typical circumstances. Therefore, the distinction of low power consumption stands out as the primary advantage of CMOS over TTL integrated circuits.