PCB Design 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of a copper pour (flood) on a PCB layer?

Accepted Answer

To fill unused areas with copper, improving ground planes and reducing impedance

Answer

Copper pours fill unused PCB areas with copper connected to a net (usually GND), improving ground planes, reducing EMI, and helping with thermal dissipation.

Question 2

Which IPC standard defines acceptability criteria for printed circuit board assemblies?

Accepted Answer

IPC-A-610

Answer

IPC-A-610 is the globally recognized standard for acceptability of electronic assemblies, defining workmanship criteria for PCB assembly.

Question 3

What does 'controlled impedance' mean in PCB design?

Accepted Answer

Designing trace geometry so that the characteristic impedance matches a target value

Answer

Controlled impedance means designing trace width, dielectric thickness, and materials so the trace's characteristic impedance matches the system requirement (e.g., 50Ω for RF).

Question 4

What is a 'design rule check' (DRC) in PCB CAD tools?

Accepted Answer

An automated check that verifies the layout meets specified spacing, clearance, and width constraints

Answer

DRC is an automated CAD function that checks the PCB layout against predefined rules for trace width, clearance, drill sizes, and other manufacturing constraints.

Question 5

What is the function of a silkscreen layer on a PCB?

Accepted Answer

To print component reference designators, logos, and assembly markings on the board surface

Answer

The silkscreen (or legend) layer is a non-conductive ink layer printed on the PCB surface to show component designators, polarity markings, logos, and other assembly aids.

PCB - Design Practice Test

PCB - Design Practice Test

PCB Design 2