Packaging and assembly

What is the main purpose of placing decoupling capacitors (bypass capacitors) on packages and printed circuit boards?

  1. ATo amplify signals
  2. BTo suppress supply voltage fluctuation (noise) by supplying charge when current changes suddenly
  3. CTo make the chip emit light
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Answer: B. To suppress supply voltage fluctuation (noise) by supplying charge when current changes suddenly

An LSI's supply current changes suddenly as it operates, and the inductance of the power wiring makes the supply voltage fluctuate. A decoupling capacitor placed near the chip supplies charge in response to sudden current changes, suppressing supply voltage fluctuation.

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More Packaging and assembly questions

  1. Which set correctly describes the main roles of a semiconductor package?
  2. What is the common step for displaying the part name, lot number and similar on the package surface of a finished IC?
  3. What is the typical diameter of wires used in wire bonding?
  4. What is the packing format called in which surface-mount ICs are placed one by one in pockets in a tape and wound up, to be fed to placement machines?
  5. What is the main advantage of surface mounting compared with inserting leads into holes in the PCB?