Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

Which terminology refers to the input applied to a system for the generation of output?

1. Input signal

2. Output signal

3. Error signal

4. Feedback signal

The correct answer is: Input signal

The term "input signal" precisely describes the information or data that is fed into a system to produce a specific output. In various systems, particularly in electronics and control systems, the input signal represents the initial conditions or parameters that the system uses to process and generate a response or output. For example, in an IoT system, sensor data can serve as the input signal that drives subsequent actions, decisions, or data processing. In contrast, the other terms do not fit the definition of input applied to generate output. The "output signal" refers to the result or response produced by the system after processing the input; hence, it is generated from the input rather than being applied to it. An "error signal" typically arises from the difference between the desired output and the actual output, acting as a corrective measure rather than an input. A "feedback signal" is the portion of the output that is routed back into the system to help adjust its operation or regulate performance over time, but it is also not classified as the initial input to generate output. Therefore, "input signal" is the correct terminology for the question provided.