20+ PCB Design Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Trace width can be calculated using online calculators or formulas based on current carrying capacity and copper thickness.

• Use online trace width calculators or formulas like IPC-2221 to determine trace width based on current carrying capacity and copper thickness.

• Consider factors like temperature rise, copper weight, and trace length when calculating trace width.

• For example, for a 15A current, with 1oz copper thickness and standard temperature rise, the trace width would be ...read more

To improve my speed in designing, I would focus on improving my efficiency, time management skills, and seeking feedback for areas of improvement.

• Identify areas where I am spending too much time and find ways to streamline the process

• Set specific goals and deadlines for each stage of the design process

• Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors on ways to improve my efficiency

• Practice regularly to improve my skills and speed

• Consider taking relevant courses or training to enhance...read more

EMI/EMC stands for Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility. It refers to the unwanted electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility of electronic devices.

• Use proper grounding techniques to minimize EMI/EMC

• Shield sensitive components with metal enclosures or shields

• Use EMI filters on input/output lines

• Minimize signal loop area to reduce EMI

• Properly route high-speed signals to minimize EMI

Analog and digital circuits can be placed on the same board by following certain guidelines and considerations.

• Separate analog and digital sections on the board to minimize interference.

• Use proper grounding techniques to reduce noise and ensure signal integrity.

• Keep analog and digital traces separate and avoid crossing them to prevent crosstalk.

• Place decoupling capacitors near digital components to minimize voltage fluctuations.

• Consider the placement of sensitive analog compo...read more

Standard drill bit sizes range from 0.8mm to 25mm, with common sizes including 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm.

• Standard drill bit sizes range from 0.8mm to 25mm

• Common sizes include 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm

• Sizes are available in both metric and imperial measurements

Object-oriented concepts and design involve creating classes and objects that encapsulate data and behavior.

• Object-oriented programming is based on the principles of encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

• Classes are used to define objects, which contain data and methods that operate on that data.

• Inheritance allows classes to inherit properties and methods from other classes, while polymorphism allows objects to take on multiple forms.

• Object-oriented design involves ide...read more

PCB stands for Printed Circuit Board, which is a board used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components. Electronics is the study and application of electrical circuits and devices.

• PCB is a board made of non-conductive material with conductive tracks for connecting electronic components.

• Electronics is the study and application of electrical circuits and devices.

• PCBs are used in various electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and medical e...read more

PCB tool test within 1 hour

• Ensure familiarity with the PCB design software

• Practice creating and editing PCB layouts

• Test knowledge of design rules and constraints

• Verify ability to generate manufacturing files

• Check proficiency in schematic capture and library management

Direct PCB layout involves placing components and routing traces directly on the board without using a schematic.

• Start by placing the components on the board in a logical and organized manner.

• Route the traces between the components, taking care to avoid crossing over each other.

• Use ground planes and power planes to improve signal integrity and reduce noise.

• Consider the size and shape of the board, as well as any mechanical constraints.

• Perform design rule checks to ensure the ...read more

Microstrip and stripline are types of transmission lines used in PCB design to carry high-frequency signals.

• Microstrip is a type of transmission line where the signal conductor is on the top layer of the PCB and separated from the ground plane by a dielectric material.

• Stripline is a type of transmission line where the signal conductor is sandwiched between two ground planes on inner layers of the PCB.

• Microstrip is easier to fabricate and offers flexibility in design, while st...read more

Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit.

• Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).

• It is caused by collisions between electrons and atoms in a material.

• Higher resistance leads to lower current flow.

• Resistance can be controlled by changing the material, length, or cross-sectional area of a conductor.

• Examples of high resistance materials include rubber and glass, while copper and silver have low resistance.

Types of vias used in PCB design include through-hole vias, blind vias, and buried vias.

• Through-hole vias go through all layers of the PCB

• Blind vias connect an outer layer to one or more inner layers

• Buried vias connect inner layers without reaching the outer layers

The process involves converting a schematic design into Gerber files for manufacturing.

• Start by creating a schematic design using a PCB design software like Altium Designer or Eagle.

• Ensure all components are correctly placed and connected in the schematic.

• Generate a netlist from the schematic design to capture the connectivity information.

• Transfer the netlist to the PCB layout editor and place components on the board.

• Route the traces to connect the components following design...read more

Ohm's law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across it, and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor.

• Ohm's law is expressed as V = I * R, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.

• It is commonly used in circuit analysis and design to calculate current, voltage, and resistance in electronic circuits.

• Ohm's law helps in determining the appropriate components for a circuit to ensure proper funct...read more

IPC standards are guidelines for designing and manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs) to ensure quality and reliability.

• IPC-A-600: Acceptability of Printed Boards

• IPC-2221: Generic Standard on Printed Board Design

• IPC-2222: Sectional Design Standard for Rigid Organic Printed Boards

• IPC-6012: Qualification and Performance Specification for Rigid Printed Boards

• IPC-4101: Specification for Base Materials for Rigid and Multilayer Printed Boards

PCB design flow involves schematic design, component placement, routing, design verification, and manufacturing preparation.

• Schematic design: Create a schematic diagram of the circuit.

• Component placement: Position components on the PCB layout.

• Routing: Connect the components using traces on the PCB.

• Design verification: Check for errors and ensure functionality.

• Manufacturing preparation: Generate files for PCB fabrication.

Kirchhoff's law states that the sum of currents entering a node is equal to the sum of currents leaving the node, and the sum of voltage drops in a closed loop is equal to the applied voltage.

• Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) states that the algebraic sum of currents entering a node is zero.

• Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) states that the sum of voltage drops in a closed loop is equal to the applied voltage.

• KCL is based on the principle of conservation of charge, while KVL is based ...read more

PCB design layout involves creating the physical design of a printed circuit board to ensure proper functionality and manufacturability.

• Understanding the schematic diagram to determine component placement and routing

• Optimizing signal integrity by minimizing trace lengths and avoiding interference

• Considering thermal management and power distribution for efficient operation

• Utilizing design software like Altium Designer or Cadence Allegro for layout creation

• Collaborating with el...read more