How does your xbox controller know when to vibrate and how hard to vibrate?

Answer 1

The game will tell the controller to vibrate at whatever speed and time.

Here is a simple code which makes a Xbox 360 controller vibrate:

Gamepad.SetVibration (PlayerIndex.One, 1.0f, 1.0f);

Here is what each part means.

Gamepad = Is the controller

SetVibration = Says what it will do, vibrate

PlayerIndex.One = I am not sure about this but I think its the vibration ID game

1.0f, 1.0f = This is each side of the motors (vibrators). This will says go at a rate of 1.0f each side. 1.0 is the max number for the vibrators. If you want a lower rate, you will change it to 0.5f or something.

So, if the code was inputted where you get shot on Call of Duty, it will vibrate at that rate. Change the rating will only give the motor/vibrators little nudge.

Hope thats a bit more technical for you.