AUTONATOMY / THE CHALLENGER
Course 02 · Electrical & Electronics Fundamentals
Semiconductors & Electronic Switching

Digital Logic &
Electronic Decision-Making

Mini Course 06 · Explore binary inputs, logic gates, and how simple electronic rules can turn sensor information into commands. Learn, build, test, then diagnose a decision circuit.

0 of 4 activities completed

Learn • 10 guided lessons

From yes/no signals to useful decisions

Open each lesson, try its idea in the workbench, and mark it complete when you understand it.

Explore • Interactive Logic Workbench

Build a two-stage decision circuit

Choose three binary inputs and connect two logic gates: first evaluate A and B, then combine that result with C. A 1 represents a true/high condition; 0 represents false/low. In real vehicles, signal voltage levels and active-low conventions depend on the circuit.

A:0B:0C:0AND0OR0STAGE 1STAGE 2
Stage 1
0
A AND B = 0
Final command
0
OUTPUT OFF

Live truth table

The highlighted row is your current input combination. A truth table lists all eight combinations of three binary inputs.

ABCStage 1Output

Teaching model: gates here operate on ideal Boolean states, not actual sensor voltage thresholds, software timing, network messages, or production ECU calibration.

Apply • Automotive Decision Lab

Make the circuit behave like a vehicle controller

Select an example to load its inputs and decision rule into the live workbench. Toggle the inputs to see how the output responds.

Cooling fan request

(Engine hot OR A/C request) AND ignition on

OUTPUT OFF
Diagnose • The Challenger

Why isn't the cooling fan commanded?

In the simplified fan control model, (hot OR A/C request) AND ignition on must be true to command the fan. A scan tool reports: engine hot = 1, A/C request = 0, ignition on = 1; fan command = 0.

First question: What should you conclude from these four reported values?

Safety: A real engine cooling fan can start unexpectedly. Follow OEM service procedures and keep clear of moving components. A logic-command problem is not the same as a fan power, motor, or relay problem.

Prove it • Final assessment

Knowledge Check

Answer all five questions. A score of 4/5 or better completes the assessment; review explanations and retry as needed.

Mini-course milestone

Your Challenger badge is waiting

Finish the lessons, logic lab, vehicle lab, diagnostic challenge, and assessment to earn the completion badge.