Course Outline
Project Initialization, Interface, and Schematic Libraries
-
Altium Designer interface, panels, editors, and project navigation
-
Autosave features, Local History, and version control
-
Project preparation and maintaining a consistent file structure
-
Creation and configuration of a PCB project
-
Local, version-controlled, and Workspace project storage locations
-
Utilizing the classic PCB Rules and Constraints Editor
-
Project parameters and parameter-driven schematic templates
-
Shared Schematic Editor settings
-
Schematic library organization and navigation
-
Symbol origin, grid, units, and graphical primitives
-
Pin designators, naming conventions, and electrical types
-
Component parameters, models, and manufacturer data
-
Footprint association and pin-to-pad mapping
-
Creating schematic components for resistors, capacitors, and LEDs
-
Schematic component approval checkpoint
Schematic Design and Verification
-
Review and approval of component data
-
Schematic connectivity and project architecture
-
Wires, junctions, Net Labels, Power Ports, and directives
-
Buses, Ports, and Off-Sheet Connectors
-
Flat and hierarchical schematic structures
-
Parent-child sheet relationships
-
Repeated-channel and multichannel designs
-
Component classes and PCB Rooms derived from schematic structure
-
Design variants and project revisions
-
Constructing a structured course schematic
-
Error Reporting configuration
-
Connection Matrix configuration
-
No ERC settings and handling intentional exceptions
-
Validation, compilation, and review of the Messages panel
-
Schematic review checklist
-
Pre-PCB transfer release gate
PCB Libraries, Setup, and Core Design Rules
-
PCB library structure, navigation, grids, and coordinate systems
-
Interpreting component datasheets and package drawings
-
Creation of PCB footprints
-
Configuration of pads, holes, solder mask, and paste mask
-
Mechanical layers, assembly data, and component outlines
-
Inclusion and verification of 3D models
-
Pin-one identification and footprint orientation
-
Footprint review and approval checklist
-
PCB document and view settings
-
Units, grids, snapping, and selection filters
-
Interactive routing settings
-
Classic PCB Rules and Constraints Editor
-
Rule scope, priorities, and query-based targeting
-
Clearance, routing width, and via rules
-
Online and Batch DRC
-
PCB editor tools, keepouts, and polygons
-
PCB design workflow and milestone-based exercises
PCB Finalization, Manufacturing Outputs, and DFMA
-
Review of the Engineering Change Order prior to PCB transfer
-
Board shape and mechanical constraints
-
Component placement and placement review
-
Interactive routing and polygon creation
-
Final Online and Batch DRC
-
PCB review checklist
-
Preparation of fabrication, assembly, and mechanical outputs
-
Gerber or ODB++ data
-
NC Drill files
-
IPC-D-356 netlist
-
Bill of Materials
-
Pick-and-Place data
-
Fabrication and assembly drawings
-
STEP mechanical model
-
Setting up repeatable outputs using Output Jobs
-
Creating human-readable documentation with Draftsman
-
Interpreting PCB manufacturer capability sheets
-
Stack-up and controlled-construction fundamentals
-
Copper geometry, holes, vias, solder mask, and surface finish
-
Translating manufacturing limits into PCB design rules
-
Addressing DFMA issues within the Rules Editor
-
Generation of the complete production package
-
Opening and verifying the generated files
-
Production package review and release gate
Controlled Release, Advanced Workflow, and Change Management
-
Practical Altium 365 workflow
-
Saving significant project revisions
-
Reviewing project history
-
Browser-based sharing and design review comments
-
Classes, rule scope, and rule priorities
-
Rooms and repeated-channel placement intent
-
High-speed constraint dependency chain
-
Defining differential pairs within the schematic
-
Verifying differential-pair objects in the PCB
-
Layer stack and impedance profiles
-
Linking impedance profiles to the Differential Pairs Routing rule
-
Length and Matched Length rules
-
Within-pair skew and group matching
-
Rule-driven length tuning and verification
-
Schematic-to-PCB synchronization
-
Review of an Engineering Change Order prior to execution
-
Implementation of late-stage engineering changes
-
Preservation of existing PCB work during updates
-
Re-execution of DRC and documentation updates
-
Regeneration and verification of the production package
-
Controlled re-release
-
Complete PCB workflow and six release gates
-
Adaptation to company-specific workflows
-
Final review and Q&A
Requirements
Prerequisites
-
Foundational knowledge of electronics and the capacity to interpret circuit schematics.
-
Acquaintance with core PCB concepts, including nets, layers, pads, vias, traces, and component footprints.
-
Prior hands-on experience with Altium Designer is not a requirement.
-
Background with other ECAD tools such as KiCad, EAGLE, or OrCAD is beneficial but not mandatory.
Target Audience
- PCB designers and layout engineers who are new to Altium Designer or transitioning from another ECAD platform.
-
Electronics and electrical engineers tasked with schematic capture, PCB layout, design review, or manufacturing documentation.
-
Technicians and hardware development team members who assist with component libraries, DRC, DFMA, production outputs, or engineering changes.
-
Engineering teams aiming to establish a reproducible workflow from schematic design to controlled production release.
