What characteristic of the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) makes it suitable for battery-powered equipment?

The characteristic that makes complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology particularly suitable for battery-powered equipment is its low power consumption. CMOS circuits are designed with transistors that consume very little power when in a static state, which is essential for devices that rely on battery energy. This low power usage extends battery life significantly, allowing devices to operate longer without needing a recharge or battery replacement.

Further, CMOS technology also allows for a high density of logic functions on a single chip, which means that complex operations can be performed efficiently without a significant increase in power usage. This capability is critical in portable devices, where minimizing power consumption is a primary design consideration.

In contrast, other characteristics such as speed, handling requirements, and current handling capabilities may vary among technologies, but the defining aspect of CMOS that particularly benefits battery-powered equipment is its efficient power consumption, making it the most relevant choice.