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In printed circuit board (PCB) design, a courtyard is a reserved space on the board that is used for component placement and orientation. The courtyard is typically a rectangular or square area that is defined by a set of guidelines or dimensions provided by the PCB designer or manufacturer.

The purpose of the courtyard is to provide a clear and consistent space on the board for each component. By defining a standard size and shape for the courtyard, designers can ensure that each component is placed and oriented correctly on the board, and that there is adequate space for assembly and inspection.

The courtyard may also include other design elements, such as reference designators, component outlines, and polarity markings. These elements help to ensure that each component is correctly identified and placed on the board.

Overall, the courtyard is an important element of PCB design, helping to ensure that each component is correctly placed and oriented on the board, and that the board can be efficiently and reliably manufactured and assembled.