Course Outline
Project Initialization, Interface Navigation, and Schematic Libraries
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Navigating the Altium Designer interface, panels, editors, and project structure
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Utilizing Autosave, Local History, and version control
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Preparing the project with a consistent file organization
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Setting up and configuring a new PCB project
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Managing project locations: local, version-controlled, and Workspace
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Working with the classic PCB Rules and Constraints Editor
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Defining project parameters and creating parameter-driven schematic templates
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Configuring shared Schematic Editor settings
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Understanding schematic library structure and navigation
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Defining symbol origins, grids, units, and graphical primitives
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Assigning pin designators, names, and electrical types
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Integrating component parameters, models, and manufacturer data
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Linking footprints and mapping pins to pads
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Creating schematic components for resistors, capacitors, and LEDs
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Checkpoint for schematic component approval
Schematic Development and Verification
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Reviewing and certifying component data
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Planning 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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Designing flat and hierarchical schematic structures
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Managing parent-child sheet relationships
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Handling repeated-channel and multichannel designs
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Generating Component classes and PCB Rooms from schematic hierarchy
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Working with design variants and project revisions
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Constructing the structured course schematic
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Configuring Error Reporting
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Setting up the Connection Matrix
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Managing No ERC and intentional exception handling
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Validating, compiling, and reviewing the Messages panel
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Applying a schematic review checklist
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Passing the pre-PCB transfer release gate
PCB Libraries, Configuration, and Core Design Rules
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Understanding PCB library structure, navigation, grids, and coordinate systems
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Interpreting component datasheets and package drawings
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Building PCB footprints
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Configuring Pads, holes, solder mask, and paste mask settings
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Using Mechanical layers, assembly data, and component outlines
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Adding and verifying 3D models
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Identifying Pin-one and ensuring correct footprint orientation
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Reviewing and approving footprints
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Configuring PCB document and view settings
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Managing Units, grids, snapping, and selection filters
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Setting up Interactive routing preferences
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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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Following a PCB design workflow with milestone-based exercises
PCB Finalization, Manufacturing Data, 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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Completing the PCB review checklist
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Preparing fabrication, assembly, and mechanical output data
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Generating Gerber or ODB++ data
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Creating NC Drill files
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Producing IPC-D-356 netlists
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Compiling Bills 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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Creating 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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Reviewing 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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Verifying the integrity of generated files
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Reviewing the production package and passing the release gate
Controlled Release, Advanced Workflows, and Change Management
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Practical workflows using Altium 365
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Saving meaningful project revisions
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Reviewing project history
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Using browser-based sharing and design review comments
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Managing Classes, rule scope, and rule priorities
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Defining placement intent with Rooms and repeated-channels
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Understanding the high-speed constraint dependency chain
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Defining differential pairs at the schematic level
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Verifying differential-pair objects in the PCB
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Analyzing Layer stack and impedance profiles
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Linking impedance profiles to the Differential Pairs Routing rule
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Configuring 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 data
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Reviewing an Engineering Change Order before execution
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Implementing late-stage engineering changes
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Preserving 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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Overview of 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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Foundational knowledge of electronics and the ability to interpret circuit schematics.
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Proficiency with core PCB concepts, including nets, layers, pads, vias, traces, and component footprints.
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Prior experience with Altium Designer is not a requirement.
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Familiarity with other ECAD tools, such as KiCad, EAGLE, or OrCAD, is advantageous but not essential.
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 tasked with schematic capture, PCB layout, design review, or manufacturing documentation.
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Technicians and hardware development specialists supporting component libraries, DRC, DFMA, production outputs, or engineering changes.
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Engineering teams aiming to establish a repeatable workflow from schematic design to controlled production release.
