Course Outline
Project Setup, Interface, and Schematic Libraries
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Overview of the Altium Designer interface, panels, editors, and project navigation
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Utilizing Autosave, Local History, and version control
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Project preparation and establishing consistent file structures
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Creating and configuring PCB projects
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Managing local, version-controlled, and Workspace project locations
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Using the classic PCB Rules and Constraints Editor
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Project parameters and parameter-driven schematic templates
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Configuring Shared Schematic Editor settings
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Structuring and navigating schematic libraries
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Setting symbol origins, grids, units, and graphical primitives
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Defining pin designators, names, and electrical types
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Assigning component parameters, models, and manufacturer data
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Associating footprints and mapping pins to pads
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Creating schematic components for resistors, capacitors, and LEDs
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Schematic component approval checkpoint
Schematic Design and Validation
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Reviewing and approving component data
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Establishing schematic connectivity and project architecture
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Using wires, junctions, Net Labels, Power Ports, and directives
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Implementing Buses, Ports, and Off-Sheet Connectors
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Structuring flat and hierarchical schematics
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Managing parent-child sheet relationships
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Designing repeated-channel and multichannel circuits
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Generating Component classes and PCB Rooms from schematic structure
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Managing design variants and project revisions
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Constructing a structured course-specific schematic
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Configuring Error Reporting
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Setting up the Connection Matrix
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Handling No ERC and intentional exceptions
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Validating, compiling, and reviewing the Messages panel
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Applying a schematic review checklist
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Executing the Pre-PCB transfer release gate
PCB Libraries, Setup, and Core Design Rules
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Navigating PCB library structure, grids, and coordinate systems
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Interpreting component datasheets and package drawings
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Creating PCB footprints
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Configuring pads, holes, solder mask, and paste mask settings
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Defining mechanical layers, assembly data, and component outlines
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Adding and verifying 3D models
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Identifying pin-one and footprint orientation
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Reviewing and approving footprints via checklist
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Configuring PCB document and view settings
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Setting units, grids, snapping, and selection filters
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Configuring interactive routing settings
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Using the Classic PCB Rules and Constraints Editor
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Defining rule scope, priorities, and query-based targeting
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Establishing clearance, routing width, and via rules
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Running Online and Batch DRC
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Utilizing PCB editor tools, keepouts, and polygons
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Executing PCB design workflows and milestone-based exercises
PCB Completion, Manufacturing Outputs, and DFMA
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Reviewing the Engineering Change Order prior to PCB transfer
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Defining board shape and mechanical constraints
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Placing components and conducting placement reviews
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Performing interactive routing and polygon creation
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Executing final Online and Batch DRC
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Applying a PCB review checklist
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Preparing fabrication, assembly, and mechanical outputs
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Generating Gerber or ODB++ data
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Creating NC Drill files
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Generating IPC-D-356 netlists
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Compiling the Bill of Materials
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Generating Pick-and-Place data
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Creating fabrication and assembly drawings
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Exporting STEP mechanical models
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Configuring repeatable outputs using Output Jobs
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Preparing human-readable documentation with Draftsman
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Interpreting PCB manufacturer capability sheets
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Understanding stack-up and controlled-construction fundamentals
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Managing copper geometry, holes, vias, solder mask, and surface finishes
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Translating manufacturing limits into PCB design rules
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Correcting DFMA issues within the Rules Editor
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Generating the complete production package
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Opening and verifying actual generated files
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Conducting production package review and release gate checks
Controlled Release, Advanced Workflow, and Change Control
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Implementing practical Altium 365 workflows
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Saving meaningful project revisions
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Reviewing project history
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Sharing designs and reviewing comments via browser
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Managing Classes, rule scope, and rule priorities
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Utilizing Rooms and repeated-channel placement intent
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Understanding the 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
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Analyzing layer stacks and impedance profiles
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Linking impedance profiles to the Differential Pairs Routing rule
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Applying Length and Matched Length rules
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Managing Within-pair skew and group matching
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Performing rule-driven length tuning and verification
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Synchronizing Schematic-to-PCB
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Reviewing Engineering Change Orders before execution
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Implementing late-stage engineering changes
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Protecting existing PCB work during updates
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Re-running DRC and updating documentation
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Regenerating and verifying the production package
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Executing controlled re-releases
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Reviewing the complete PCB workflow and six release gates
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Adapting the workflow to company-specific processes
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Final review and Q&A
Requirements
Prerequisites
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Fundamental understanding of electronics and the ability to interpret circuit schematics.
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Familiarity with core PCB concepts, including nets, layers, pads, vias, traces, and component footprints.
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No prior experience with Altium Designer is necessary.
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Prior experience with other ECAD tools such as KiCad, EAGLE, or OrCAD is beneficial but not mandatory.
Target Audience
- PCB designers and layout engineers new to Altium Designer or transitioning from other ECAD platforms.
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Electronics and electrical engineers responsible for schematic capture, PCB layout, design reviews, or manufacturing documentation.
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Technicians and hardware development team members supporting component libraries, DRC, DFMA, production outputs, or engineering changes.
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Engineering teams seeking to establish a repeatable workflow from schematic design to controlled production release.
