PCB design glossary
Silkscreen
The white (or other-color) ink layer on a PCB used for labels, reference designators, and component outlines.
Silkscreen is the printed layer that helps humans assemble and debug the board. Reference designators (R1, C2, U3), polarity marks on diodes and LEDs, pin-1 indicators on ICs, version numbers, and logos all live on silkscreen.
Silkscreen has no electrical function but is essential for usability. Tiny or missing silkscreen is a top cause of assembly errors.
Designing a board that uses silkscreen?
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