# Electrical Technology Grade 12 NSC November 2020 QP (Eng) > Grade 12 Electrical Technology question paper from the NSC November Exam 2020 (English), 25 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2020-digital-eng/348dd4b4-3209-4fc5-8ff4-6776dfd89706 - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Electrical Technology - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2020 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 25 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [Electrical Technology](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/electrical-technology) › [Electrical Technology Grade 12 NSC November 2020 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2020-digital-eng/348dd4b4-3209-4fc5-8ff4-6776dfd89706) ## About this document Electrical Technology · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2020. Question paper, 25 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 Downloaded from hlayiso.com GRAAD 12 SENIOR CERTIFICATE/ NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY: DIGITAL NOVEMBER 2020 MARKS: 200 TIME: 3 hours This question paper consists of 16 pages, a 1-page formula sheet and an 8-page answer sheet. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 2 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 1. This question paper consists of FIVE questions. 2. Answer ALL the questions. 3. Answer QUESTIONS 2.3.2, 2.4.2, 2.6.2, 2.8.2, 2.8.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.8.1, 4.8.2, 4.11.1 and 5.10 on the attached ANSWER SHEETS. 4. Write your CENTRE NUMBER and EXAMINATION NUMBER on every ANSWER SHEET and staple them to your ANSWER BOOK, whether you have used them or not. 5. Sketches and diagrams must be large, neat and FULLY LABELLED. 6. Show ALL calculations and round off answers correctly to TWO decimal places. 7. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper. 8. You may use a non-programmable calculator. 9. Calculations must include: 9.1 Formulae and manipulations where needed 9.2 Correct replacement of values 9.3 Correct answers and relevant units where applicable 10. A formula sheet is attached at the end of this question paper. 11. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 3 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 1: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 1.1 Define health and safety equipment. (2) 1.2 Name ONE human right in the workplace. (1) 1.3 Name TWO incidents that should be reported to inspectors at the workplace. (2) 1.4 State THREE types of victimisation by an employer that are forbidden. (3) 1.5 Describe how the master switch in a workshop contributes to safety. (2) [10] QUESTION 2: SWITCHING CIRCUITS 2.1 State ONE distinct difference between the astable multivibrator and the bistable multivibrator with reference to their inputs. (2) 2.2 Refer to FIGURE 2.2 below and answer the questions that follow. RF +12 V A - B + -12 V R1 C1 VOUT VC R2 t FIGURE 2.2: MULTIVIBRATOR 2.2.1 Identify the multivibrator in FIGURE 2.2. (1) 2.2.2 Describe the operation of the multivibrator in FIGURE 2.2 from a point where the capacitor has just discharged and point A is low. (6) 2.2.3 Explain how the frequency of the multivibrator in FIGURE 2.2 can be increased. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 4 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 2.3 FIGURE 2.3 below shows a monostable multivibrator using a 555 IC. +9V R1 1 kΩ R3 330 Ω R2 VR1 LED 1 10 kΩ 10 kΩ 8 4 7 Output 3 6 555 2 1 5 R4 Trigger C1 330 Ω C2 10 µF LED 2 10 nF FIGURE 2.3: MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR 2.3.1 State the function of capacitor C2. (2) 2.3.2 FIGURE 2.3.2 below shows the trigger input, capacitor charge and output signals of the multivibrator in FIGURE 2.3. The variable resistor (VR1) is set to 5 kΩ. On the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 2.3.2, draw the charging voltage VC1 and corresponding output if variable resistor (VR1) is changed to 10 kΩ. Trigger input ⅓ VCC 0V t ⅔ VCC VC1 when VR1 is set to 0V 5 kΩ t High Output Low t FIGURE 2.3.2: SIGNALS (4) 2.3.3 State whether LED 1 or LED 2 will be ON after the trigger switch is pressed. Motivate your answer. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 5 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 2.4 FIGURE 2.4 below shows the circuit diagram of a non-inverting Schmitt trigger. Answer the questions that follow. +9 V VOUT -9 V VIN VIN R1 RF t FIGURE 2.4: NON-INVERTING SCHMITT TRIGGER 2.4.1 Indicate whether this is an open-loop mode op-amp circuit or a closed-loop mode op-amp circuit. Motivate your answer. (2) 2.4.2 Draw the output waveform of the Schmitt trigger on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 2.4.2. (4) 2.4.3 State how the trigger voltage levels of the Schmitt trigger can be adjusted without changing the supply voltage. (2) 2.5 Refer to FIGURE 2.5 below and answer the questions that follow. V1 0,5 V t RF 10 kΩ C1 R1 2 kΩ R4 S1 +12 V V2 0,2 V - t C2 R2 500 Ω + R5 VOUT -12 V FIGURE 2.5: SUMMING AMPLIFIER 2.5.1 State the function of capacitor C1. (1) 2.5.2 Calculate the value of the output voltage. (3) 2.5.3 Explain what makes it possible for this amplifier to amplify both positive and negative voltages. (3) 2.5.4 Explain how the output voltage will be affected if switch S 1 is open. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 6 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 2.6 Refer to FIGURE 2.6 below and answer the questions that follow. +V R1 +V VIN VIN VOUT VREF -V R2 0V FIGURE 2.6: OP-AMP CIRCUIT 2.6.1 Identify the op-amp circuit in FIGURE 2.6. (2) 2.6.2 Draw the output signal of the op amp on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 2.6.2. (4) 2.6.3 Explain why this op-amp circuit is driven into saturation during its operation. (2) 2.7 Explain the operation of the passive RC differentiator in FIGURE 2.7 below. C Output Input +9 V +9 V R 0 0 t t -9 V FIGURE 2.7: PASSIVE RC DIFFERENTIATOR (5) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 7 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 2.8 FIGURE 2.8 below shows an op-amp integrator with input and output signals. Answer the questions that follow. +V CF Input RIN +V 0V VIN t - 0V VOUT + Output -V -VSAT 0V FIGURE 2.8: OP-AMP INTEGRATOR 2.8.1 Explain why the op-amp integrator is able to produce a steadily falling output voltage when a square wave is applied to the input. (6) 2.8.2 On the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 2.8.2, draw the output waveform of the op amp when the RC time constant is shortened from the given state. (2) 2.8.3 On the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 2.8.3, draw the output waveform of the op-amp when the RC time constant is lengthened from the given state. (2) [60] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 8 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 3: SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES 3.1 Refer to FIGURE 3.1 below and answer the questions that follow. V+ Non-inverting input Output Inverting input V- FIGURE 3.1: OP AMP 3.1.1 Name THREE characteristics of an ideal op amp. (3) 3.1.2 Explain what makes the op-amp ideal to amplify alternating voltages. (2) 3.2 FIGURE 3.2 below shows the circuit diagram of an inverting op-amp. RF RIN = 1,8 kΩ +9 V X VOUT = 8 V VIN = 0,4 V t t -9 V 0V FIGURE 3.2: INVERTING OP AMP 3.2.1 Explain why point X on the diagram is also known as the virtual ground. (2) 3.2.2 Calculate the value of feedback resistor RF. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 9 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 3.3 FIGURE 3.3 below shows the internal circuit diagram of a 555 IC. Answer the questions that follow. + VCC Control Supply Discharge Threshold voltage 8 7 6 5 5 kΩ Comparator1 Q S Flip 5 kΩ Flop Comparator2 R Q T1 5 kΩ Output Driver 1 2 3 4 Ground Trigger Output Reset FIGURE 3.3: 555 IC 3.3.1 State ONE industrial application where the 555 IC is used as a timing device. (1) 3.3.2 Name the mode in which the 555 IC will operate to produce a musical note. (1) 3.3.3 Indicate whether transistor T1 acts as a switch or as an amplifier in the circuit. (1) 3.3.4 Explain the function of the two comparators in FIGURE 3.3. (4) 3.3.5 Explain the function of the flip-flop in FIGURE 3.3. (3) [20] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 10 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 4: DIGITAL AND SEQUENTIAL DEVICES 4.1 Name TWO methods to connect the LEDs of an LED seven-segment display to the supply. (2) 4.2 Identify the circuit in FIGURE 4.2 below with reference to digital outputs. +V Input T1 D1 LED Load FIGURE 4.2 (1) 4.3 With reference to the triggering of flip-flops, name the TWO classes of synchronous flip-flops. (2) 4.4 FIGURE 4.4 below represents an incomplete block diagram of a 4-bit parallel adder. Complete and label the diagram of this adder on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 4.4. B3 A 3 B 2 A2 CI CI CI F/A F/A F/ A H/A CO CO CO CO ∑4 ∑3 FIGURE 4.4: 4-BIT PARALLEL ADDER (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 11 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 4.5 FIGURE 4.5 below represents the circuit diagram of a binary-to-decimal decoder. Complete the truth table of this decoder on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 4.5. A B & Output 0 & Output 1 & Output 2 & Output 3 FIGURE 4.5: BINARY-TO-DECIMAL DECODER INPUTS OUTPUTS A B 0 1 2 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 TABLE 4.5 (8) 4.6 State the function of a decoder. (2) 4.7 Name TWO group classifications of logic circuits with reference to memory elements. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 12 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 4.8 Refer to FIGURE 4.8 below and answer the questions that follow. S Q S Q _ _ R Q Q R FIGURE 4.8: LOGIC SYMBOL OF AN ACTIVE HIGH LATCH (RS LATCH) 4.8.1 Complete the truth table of the RS latch on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 4.8.1. MODE OF INPUTS OUTPUTS OPERATION S R Q ̅ ILLEGAL 0 0 SET 0 1 0 RESET 1 0 0 HOLD 1 1 No Change TABLE 4.8.1 (4) 4.8.2 Complete the output waveforms of this RS latch on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 4.8.2. (6) 4.9 Explain the term counter. (3) 4.10 Explain the term propagation delay with reference to asynchronous ripple counters. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 13 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 4.11 FIGURE 4.11 below shows the circuit diagram of a three-stage synchronous binary counter. 1 A B C FF 0 FF 1 FF 2 J Q0 J Q1 J Q2 K K K INPUT CLOCK PULSES FIGURE 4.11: THREE-STAGE SYNCHRONOUS BINARY COUNTER 4.11.1 Complete the output waveforms of this counter on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 4.11.1. (5) 4.11.2 Explain the purpose of the AND gate in FIGURE 4.11. (3) 4.12 Refer to FIGURE 4.12 below and answer the questions that follow. B QD QC QB QA D Q D Q D Q D Q CLK CLK CLK CLK CLR CLR CLR CLR CLOCK PD PC PB PA A FIGURE 4.12 4.12.1 Identify the register in FIGURE 4.12. (1) 4.12.2 Label A and B. (2) 4.12.3 Describe the operation of this register. (4) [55] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 14 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 5: MICROCONTROLLERS 5.1 State TWO applications of microcontrollers in commercial devices. (2) 5.2 Refer to FIGURE 5.2 below and answer the questions that follow. CPU A I/O B FIGURE 5.2: BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A MICROCONTROLLER 5.2.1 Identify A and B. (2) 5.2.2 Describe the function of the CPU. (3) 5.2.3 Describe the function of the input/output unit (I/O). (3) 5.3 List THREE advantages of microcontrollers over traditional discrete electronic components. (3) 5.4 With reference to the registers of a CPU: 5.4.1 Describe the CPU register. (2) 5.4.2 List THREE special purpose registers. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 15 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 5.5 Refer to FIGURE 5.5 below and answer the questions that follow. A/D ANALOGUE DIGITAL CONVERTER FIGURE 5.5: ANALOGUE-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER 5.5.1 Explain the function of the A/D converter. (2) 5.5.2 Explain why an A/D converter is used with microcontrollers. (2) 5.6 Refer to FIGURE 5.6 below and answer the questions that follow. Input CPU Memory and output Control bus System bus Address bus A FIGURE 5.6: COMMUNICATION BUSES OF A MICROCONTROLLER 5.6.1 Label A. (1) 5.6.2 Explain the function of the control bus. (2) 5.6.3 Explain the function of the address bus. (2) 5.7 With reference to serial peripheral interfaces (SPI): 5.7.1 State the characteristics of the serial peripheral interface (SPI). (3) 5.7.2 State the function of the serial peripheral interface (SPI). (1) 5.7.3 State TWO applications of the serial peripheral interface (SPI). (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital 16 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 5.8 Answer the following questions with reference to the RS-485 communication protocol. 5.8.1 State the typical operating voltages for logic '1' and logic '0'. (2) 5.8.2 List THREE devices that can be used with the RS-485 interface. (3) 5.9 Refer to FIGURE 5.9 below and answer the questions that follow. Clock 10011110 11100110 01110011 11111110 00000111 byte byte byte byte byte Data A C Data B FIGURE 5.9: BLOCK DIAGRAM OF SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION 5.9.1 Label A, B and C. (3) 5.9.2 Describe how data is transferred through the device. (4) 5.10 Design a flow chart for a monostable device which has only ONE stable state. It changes state when it is triggered by an input, and stays in that state for 5 seconds. It then returns to its original state. Complete and label the flow chart for this device on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 5.10. (10) [55] TOTAL: 200 Copyright reserved ### Page 17 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC FORMULA SHEET SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES V R  Gain A V  OUT    F  VIN  RIN   R  VOUT  VIN    F   R IN   R  VOUT  VIN  1  F   R IN  SWITCHING CIRCUITS  R R R  VOUT    V1 F  V2 F  V3 F   R1 R2 R3  VOUT VOUT Gain A V   VIN V1  V2  V3  VOUT   (V1  V2  V3 ) Copyright reserved ### Page 18 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET QUESTION 2: SWITCHING CIRCUITS 2.3.2 Trigger input ⅓ VCC 0V t ⅔ VCC VC1 when VR1 is set to 5 kΩ t High Output Low t ⅔ VCC VC1 when VR1 is set to 10 kΩ t High Output when Transfer mark to VR1 is set to answer book 10 kΩ Low t MOD FIGURE 2.3.2 (4) Copyright reserved ### Page 19 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET 2.4.2 VIN Upper trigger level 0 t Lower trigger level +V 0 t Transfer mark to answer book -V MOD FIGURE 2.4.2 (4) Copyright reserved ### Page 20 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET 2.6.2 VIN VREF 0V +VSAT 0V t Transfer mark to answer book -VSAT MOD FIGURE 2.6.2 (4) Copyright reserved ### Page 21 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET 2.8.2 +V Input 0V t 0V RC time constant is shorter Output Transfer mark to answer book -VSAT MOD FIGURE 2.8.2 (2) 2.8.3 +V Input 0V t 0V RC time constant is longer Output Transfer mark to answer book -VSAT MOD FIGURE 2.8.3 (2) Copyright reserved ### Page 22 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET QUESTION 4: DIGITAL AND SEQUENTIAL DEVICES 4.4 B 3 A3 B 2 A2 CI CI CI F/A F/A F/A H/A CO CO CO CO ∑4 ∑3 Transfer mark to answer book MOD FIGURE 4.4 (8) 4.5 INPUTS OUTPUTS A B 0 1 2 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 Transfer mark to answer book MOD TABLE 4.5 (8) Copyright reserved ### Page 23 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET 4.8.1 MODE OF INPUTS OUTPUTS OPERATION S R Q ̅ ILLEGAL 0 0 SET 0 1 0 RESET 1 0 0 HOLD 1 1 No Change Transfer mark to answer book MOD TABLE 4.8.1 (4) 4.8.2 S R Transfer mark to answer book Q MOD TABLE 4.8.2 (6) Copyright reserved ### Page 24 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET 4.11.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Clock pulses Output A Output B Output C Transfer mark to answer book MOD FIGURE 4.11.1 (5) Copyright reserved ### Page 25 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Digital DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET 5.10  Transfer mark to answer book MOD FIGURE 5.10 (10) Copyright reserved ## Related documents - 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