Bird
0
0

A PCB designer arranged the layers as Signal - Signal - Power - Ground in a 4-layer board. What is the main issue with this stackup?

medium📝 Formula Fix Q14 of 15
PCB Design - Multi-Layer PCB Design
A PCB designer arranged the layers as Signal - Signal - Power - Ground in a 4-layer board. What is the main issue with this stackup?
ASignal layers are not shielded by power or ground layers, causing noise issues
BPower and ground layers are too close, causing short circuits
CThe stackup is too thin for manufacturing
DSignal layers are on the inside, making routing impossible
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Examine the layer order

    Both signal layers are adjacent without a power or ground layer between them, so they lack shielding.

  2. Step 2: Identify the consequence

    Without shielding, signals can interfere with each other causing noise and signal integrity problems.

  3. Final Answer:

    Signal layers are not shielded by power or ground layers, causing noise issues -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Unshielded signal layers cause noise = A [OK]
Quick Trick: Avoid placing signal layers together without shielding layers [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Thinking power and ground proximity causes shorts
  • Assuming stackup thickness is the issue
  • Believing signal inside layers prevent routing

Want More Practice?

15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free

Free Signup - Practice All Questions
More PCB Design Quizzes
Advanced Routing Techniques - Impedance-controlled traces - Quiz 10hard Design Review and Testing - Version control for PCB projects - Quiz 12easy Design Review and Testing - Design review checklist - Quiz 13medium Design Review and Testing - Common PCB design mistakes - Quiz 4medium Manufacturing Output - Ordering PCBs from fabricators - Quiz 10hard Manufacturing Output - Bill of Materials (BOM) export - Quiz 14medium Multi-Layer PCB Design - Four-layer stack-up design - Quiz 12easy Multi-Layer PCB Design - When to use more than two layers - Quiz 15hard Multi-Layer PCB Design - When to use more than two layers - Quiz 3easy Multi-Layer PCB Design - Via stitching for ground planes - Quiz 7medium