Course Outline
Day 1 – Project Setup, Interface, and Schematic Libraries
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Altium Designer interface, panels, editors, and project navigation.
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Autosave, Local History, and version control features.
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Project preparation and maintaining a consistent file structure.
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Creating and configuring a new PCB project.
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Local, version-controlled, and Workspace project locations.
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Utilizing the classic PCB Rules and Constraints Editor.
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Project parameters and parameter-driven schematic templates.
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Shared Schematic Editor settings.
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Schematic library structure and navigation techniques.
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Symbol origin, grid settings, units, and graphical primitives.
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Pin designators, names, and electrical types.
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Component parameters, models, and manufacturer data.
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Footprint association and pin-to-pad mapping.
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Creating schematic components for resistors, capacitors, and LEDs.
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Schematic component approval checkpoint.
Day 2 – Schematic Design and Validation
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Reviewing and approving component data.
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Schematic connectivity and project architecture.
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Using wires, junctions, Net Labels, Power Ports, and directives.
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Buses, Ports, and Off-Sheet Connectors.
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Flat and hierarchical schematic structures.
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Parent-child sheet relationships.
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Repeated-channel and multichannel designs.
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Component classes and PCB Rooms generated from schematic structure.
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Design variants and project revisions.
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Building a structured course schematic.
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Error Reporting configuration.
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Connection Matrix configuration.
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No ERC and handling intentional exceptions.
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Validation, compilation, and review of the Messages panel.
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Schematic review checklist.
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Pre-PCB transfer release gate.
Day 3 – PCB Libraries, Setup, and Core Design Rules
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PCB library structure, navigation, grids, and coordinate systems.
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Reading component datasheets and package drawings.
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Creating PCB footprints.
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Pads, holes, solder mask, and paste mask settings.
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Mechanical layers, assembly data, and component outlines.
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Adding and checking 3D models.
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Pin-one identification and footprint orientation.
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Footprint review and approval checklist.
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PCB document and view settings.
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Units, grids, snapping, and selection filters.
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Interactive routing settings.
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Classic PCB Rules and Constraints Editor.
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Rule scope, priorities, and query-based targeting.
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Clearance, routing width, and via rules.
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Online and Batch DRC processes.
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PCB editor tools, keepouts, and polygons.
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PCB design workflow and milestone-based exercise.
Day 4 – PCB Completion, Manufacturing Outputs, and DFMA
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Reviewing the Engineering Change Order before PCB transfer.
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Board shape and mechanical constraints.
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Component placement and placement review.
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Interactive routing and polygon creation.
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Final Online and Batch DRC.
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PCB review checklist.
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Preparing fabrication, assembly, and mechanical outputs.
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Gerber or ODB++ data generation.
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NC Drill files.
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IPC-D-356 netlist.
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Bill of Materials (BOM).
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Pick-and-Place data.
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Fabrication and assembly drawings.
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STEP mechanical model.
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Configuring repeatable outputs with Output Jobs.
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Preparing human-readable documentation with Draftsman.
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Reading PCB manufacturer capability sheets.
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Stack-up and controlled-construction fundamentals.
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Copper geometry, holes, vias, solder mask, and surface finish.
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Translating manufacturing limits into PCB design rules.
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Correcting DFMA issues in the Rules Editor.
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Generating the complete production package.
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Opening and verifying the actual generated files.
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Production package review and release gate.
Day 5 – Controlled Release, Advanced Workflow, and Change Control
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Practical Altium 365 workflow integration.
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Saving meaningful project revisions.
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Reviewing project history.
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Browser-based sharing and design review comments.
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Classes, rule scope, and rule priorities.
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Rooms and repeated-channel placement intent.
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High-speed constraint dependency chain.
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Defining differential pairs on the schematic.
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Verifying differential-pair objects in the PCB environment.
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Layer stack and impedance profiles.
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Linking an impedance profile to the Differential Pairs Routing rule.
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Length and Matched Length rules.
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Within-pair skew and group matching.
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Rule-driven length tuning and verification.
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Schematic-to-PCB synchronization.
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Reviewing an Engineering Change Order before execution.
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Implementing a late engineering change.
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Protecting existing PCB work during an update.
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Re-running DRC and updating documentation.
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Regenerating and verifying the production package.
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Controlled re-release procedures.
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Complete PCB workflow and six release gates overview.
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Company workflow adaptation strategies.
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Final review and Q&A session.
Requirements
Prerequisites
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A basic understanding of electronics and the ability to read circuit schematics.
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Familiarity with fundamental PCB concepts, including nets, layers, pads, vias, traces, and component footprints.
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Previous experience with Altium Designer is not required.
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Experience with other ECAD tools such as KiCad, EAGLE, or OrCAD is helpful but not mandatory.
Audience
- PCB designers and layout engineers who are new to Altium Designer or transitioning from another ECAD platform.
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Electronics and electrical engineers responsible for schematic capture, PCB layout, design review, or manufacturing documentation.
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Technicians and hardware development team members who support component libraries, DRC, DFMA, production outputs, or engineering changes.
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Engineering teams seeking a repeatable workflow from schematic design through to controlled production release.
