Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E6C
E6C07E6C

What best describes a pull-up or pull-down resistor?

Deep Dive: E6C07

The correct answer is B: A resistor connected to the positive or negative supply used to establish a voltage when an input or output is an open circuit. What best describes a pull-up or pull-down resistor is a resistor connected to the positive or negative supply used to establish a voltage when an input or output is an open circuit. Pull-up/pull-down resistors set default voltage levels. For amateur radio operators, this is important for digital circuits. Understanding this helps when designing digital circuits.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Resistor in keying circuit to reduce key clicks isn't pull-up/pull-down - pull-up/pull-down establishes voltage when open. Keying circuit isn't the description. Option C: Incorrect. Resistor ensuring oscillator frequency doesn't drift isn't pull-up/pull-down - pull-up/pull-down establishes voltage when open. Oscillator isn't the description. Option D: Incorrect. Resistor connected to op-amp output preventing signals exceeding supply isn't pull-up/pull-down - pull-up/pull-down establishes voltage when open. Op-amp output isn't the description.

Exam Tip

Pull-up/pull-down resistor = resistor connected to supply to establish voltage when input/output is open. Think 'P'ull-'U'p/'P'ull-'D'own = 'P'rovides 'D'efault voltage. Pull-up/pull-down resistors set default voltage levels. Not keying circuit, not oscillator, not op-amp output - just establishes voltage when open.

Memory Aid

Pull-up/pull-down resistor = resistor connected to supply to establish voltage when input/output is open. Think 'P'ull-'U'p/'P'ull-'D'own = 'D'efault voltage. Pull-up/pull-down resistors set default voltage levels. Important for digital circuits.

Real-World Example

A pull-up or pull-down resistor: It's a resistor connected to the positive or negative supply used to establish a voltage when an input or output is an open circuit. This ensures a defined logic level when the circuit is floating. This is the description - establishes voltage when open.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E6C

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E6 - Circuit Components

Key Concepts

Pull-up or pull-down resistor Resistor connected to supply Establish voltage Input or output open circuit

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E6C topic.