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Footprint reference designators are the unique labels used to identify and reference individual components on a printed circuit board (PCB). They are typically a combination of letters and numbers that identify the specific component and its location on the board.

Footprint reference designators are assigned to components during the PCB design process. Each component is given a unique label that identifies its type and location on the board. For example, "R1" might indicate a resistor located in the top left corner of the board, while "C2" might indicate a capacitor located near the center of the board.

The reference designator is typically printed on the silkscreen layer of the PCB, which is the layer of text and symbols that is printed on the surface of the board. The silkscreen layer helps to identify and label the components on the board, and is an important part of the PCB design process.

In summary, footprint reference designators are the unique labels used to identify and reference individual components on a printed circuit board. They are assigned during the PCB design process, and are typically printed on the silkscreen layer of the board. By using reference designators, designers and manufacturers can ensure that each component is correctly identified and located on the board.