A sensor failure is present if the output current of the sensor falls below _________ or exceeds _________

• A. 230mA, 500mA
• B. 240mA, 520mA
• C. 232mA, 510mA
• D. 235mA, 515mA

Answer: (D)

A sensor’s output current is supposed to stay within a defined operating window. That window reflects normal operation of the output stage and ensures the sensor is powered and loaded correctly. When the current drops below 235 mA, the sensor isn’t drawing enough current to drive its output properly, which can indicate an underpowered condition, an open circuit, or a bad connection. When the current rises above 515 mA, the output stage is being overdriven or forced into saturation, which can point to a short, overload, or internal fault that could cause overheating and inaccurate readings. These exact bounds come from the sensor’s specification and define the fault thresholds—the range inside which the sensor is considered healthy, and outside of which it’s considered failed. The other ranges don’t match the device’s documented safe operating window, so they wouldn’t correctly indicate a failure.