Here are additional PCB Repair Technician interview questions and answers categorized into different areas: Advanced Technical Questions 11. What is the difference between through-hole and surface-mount components? Answer: • Through-hole components have leads that pass through the PCB and are soldered on the other side. They are more durable but take up more space. • Surface-mount components (SMD) are soldered directly onto the PCB without leads. They are smaller, faster to assemble, but require precise soldering techniques. 12. What techniques do you use for soldering and desoldering SMD components? Answer: • Soldering: Use a fine-tip soldering iron, flux, and tweezers for small components. • Desoldering: Use a hot air rework station or solder wick to remove components safely. • For BGA components, use a reflow oven or infrared rework station to avoid overheating. 13. How do you troubleshoot a PCB that is completely dead? Answer: • Check the power supply and voltage levels across different points. • Look for blown fuses, short circuits, or damaged components. • Inspect for physical damage like burnt traces or cracked solder joints. • If the board has a microcontroller or IC, verify if it’s receiving proper signals. 14. What are cold solder joints, and how do you fix them? Answer: Cold solder joints occur when the solder doesn’t properly bond with the component leads, resulting in weak or intermittent connections. To fix them: • Reheat the joint with a soldering iron. • Add flux to improve the solder flow. • Resolder with a fresh amount of solder for a solid connection. 15. How do you repair a broken PCB trace? Answer: • For small breaks, use conductive ink or a fine copper wire. • For larger breaks, scrape off the solder mask, apply solder, and bridge the gap with a wire. • Use Kapton tape or conformal coating to insulate the repaired area. Testing & Diagnosis Questions 16. What is the purpose of using an oscilloscope in PCB repair? Answer: An oscilloscope helps analyze waveforms, detect signal issues, and identify faulty components in circuits, especially in high-frequency and digital systems. 17. How do you check for short circuits on a PCB? Answer: • Use a multimeter in continuity mode to detect shorts between power and ground. • Visually inspect for solder bridges or misplaced components. • Use a thermal camera (if available) to locate overheating components. 18. How do you test a repaired PCB before reinstalling it? Answer: • Perform a visual inspection under a magnifying glass. • Use a multimeter to check voltage levels and continuity. • Power the PCB in a controlled environment and monitor its functionality. • If applicable, run diagnostic software or firmware tests. ESD & Safety Questions 19. What is ESD, and how do you prevent it while repairing PCBs? Answer: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage sensitive electronic components. To prevent it: • Wear an anti-static wrist strap. • Work on an ESD mat and use an ESD-safe soldering station. • Keep components in anti-static bags when not in use. 20. How do you safely handle and store PCBs? Answer: • Store PCBs in anti-static trays or bags. • Avoid touching circuit traces and components directly. • Keep PCBs away from moisture and dust. Software & Industry-Specific Questions 21. Do you have experience with PCB design software? Answer: Yes, I have experience using tools like Altium Designer, KiCad, and Eagle to read schematics and modify PCB layouts for repair or rework purposes. 22. What do you know about IPC-610 standards? Answer: IPC-610 is an industry standard for PCB assembly and acceptance criteria. It defines quality standards for soldering, component placement, and repair. Behavioral & Problem-Solving Questions 23. How do you handle a situation where a repaired PCB is still not functioning? Answer: • Double-check solder joints and component placement. • Verify voltages and signals at key test points. • Compare with a working PCB if available. • If the issue persists, escalate to a senior technician or engineer. 24. Have you ever had to work under high pressure to repair a PCB urgently? Answer: Yes, in my previous job, I had to repair a faulty PCB for a critical production line. I quickly diagnosed the issue, replaced the defective component, and tested the board, ensuring minimal downtime. 25. How do you keep yourself updated with PCB repair techniques? Answer: • I follow electronics forums and blogs. • I watch YouTube tutorials and attend workshops. • I read manufacturer datasheets and repair manuals. Would you like me to refine these questions for a specific industry or product type (e.g., home appliances,