PCB Signal Integrity & EMC

Question 1

What is the industry-standard characteristic impedance target for most controlled-impedance PCB traces?

Accepted Answer

50 ohms

Answer

25 ohms

Answer

75 ohms

Answer

100 ohms

Question 2

What phenomenon occurs when a high-speed signal travels down a transmission line and encounters an impedance discontinuity?

Accepted Answer

Signal reflection

Answer

Resonance

Answer

Diffraction

Answer

Signal absorption

Question 3

Which termination method places a resistor matching the trace's characteristic impedance between the signal line and ground at the far end of the trace?

Accepted Answer

Parallel (shunt) termination

Answer

Series termination

Answer

Thevenin termination

Answer

AC termination

Question 4

At what fraction of signal wavelength does a PCB trace typically need to be treated as a transmission line requiring controlled impedance?

Accepted Answer

λ/10

Answer

λ/100

Answer

λ/20

Answer

λ/2

Question 5

In a stripline PCB layer configuration, where is the signal trace located within the stackup?

Accepted Answer

Between two reference planes

Answer

On the top surface of the PCB

Answer

On the bottom surface of the PCB

Answer

Adjacent to only one reference plane

Question 6

What is the primary signal integrity advantage of differential signaling over single-ended signaling in high-speed PCB design?

Accepted Answer

Superior common-mode noise rejection

Answer

Requires fewer PCB traces

Answer

Higher power efficiency

Answer

Simpler termination requirements

Question 7

Which instrument is used to measure the impedance profile of a PCB trace as a function of distance along its length?

Accepted Answer

Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR)

Answer

Vector network analyzer

Answer

Spectrum analyzer

Answer

Digital oscilloscope