TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

What does a 40-pin/80-wire ribbon cable refer to?

1. The maximum number of devices it can support

2. The speed at which it transfers data

3. The number of pins and wires used in the connection

4. The type of signals it can transmit

The correct answer is: The number of pins and wires used in the connection

A 40-pin/80-wire ribbon cable specifically refers to both the number of pins and the number of wires in the connection. In this case, there are 40 pins that make the physical connection, while the cable itself is constructed with 80 wires, which is a standard for this type of cable. This configuration is essential for ensuring that all data paths are adequately supported and provides redundancy, allowing for faster data transfer rates through parallel signaling. The extra wires are utilized for grounding and to reduce crosstalk, thus enhancing overall performance. The other options, while relevant to certain aspects of ribbon cables, do not accurately define what a 40-pin/80-wire ribbon cable is. The maximum number of devices it can support depends on the specific interface being used, the speed at which it transfers data can be influenced by multiple factors such as cable design and controller, and the type of signals it can transmit relates to the protocol rather than the enumeration of pins and wires.