ASEP System Design 3

Question 1

What is the significance of the Critical Design Review (CDR) in the design process?

Accepted Answer

It evaluates the detailed design to confirm it is complete, satisfies requirements, and is ready for implementation—a key go/no-go decision point

Answer

It is an optional review

Answer

It only reviews the project schedule

Answer

It is conducted at the beginning of design

Question 2

What is modular design and what benefits does it provide?

Accepted Answer

Structuring the system as independent, interchangeable modules with well-defined interfaces, enabling parallel development, maintainability, and technology refresh

Answer

Designing each component to be as large as possible

Answer

A design approach that avoids interfaces

Answer

A temporary design approach used only during prototyping

Question 3

How does design analysis differ from design verification?

Accepted Answer

Design analysis uses mathematical models and simulations to predict design performance during development; verification confirms actual performance through testing after implementation

Answer

They are the same activity

Answer

Analysis is always more accurate

Answer

Verification is performed before analysis

Question 4

What is the purpose of a design decision log?

Accepted Answer

To document the rationale behind key design decisions, alternatives considered, and trade-off results for future reference and auditability

Answer

To record attendance at design meetings

Answer

To track component procurement

Answer

To list all design tools used

Question 5

What is 'design for manufacturing' (DFM) and why should systems engineers consider it during design?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating manufacturability considerations into the design to reduce production cost, improve quality, and avoid designs that are difficult or impossible to produce

Answer

Designing the manufacturing facility

Answer

It only applies to consumer electronics

Answer

It is addressed after the design is complete

Question 6

How does interface design influence overall system quality and reliability?

Accepted Answer

Interfaces are primary sources of system failures; careful interface design with adequate margins, error handling, and graceful degradation directly improves system reliability

Answer

Interfaces have minimal impact on quality

Answer

Interface design is only important for software

Answer

Reliable components guarantee reliable interfaces