Altium Designer 18 (AD18) is a significant upgrade to Altium’s flagship PCB design software, offering a host of new features, enhancements, and improvements aimed at streamlining the design process, improving productivity, and delivering a more intuitive user experience. Whether you’re a seasoned PCB designer or new to Altium Designer, AD18 introduces tools and functionalities that cater to a wide range of design needs. This article provides a detailed summary of the new features in AD18, highlighting how they can benefit your design workflow.
1. Enhanced User Interface and Experience
1.1 Modernized Design Environment
AD18 introduces a refreshed and modernized user interface (UI) that improves usability and aesthetics. The updated UI features a cleaner layout, improved iconography, and a more intuitive navigation system. These changes make it easier for designers to access tools and features, reducing the learning curve for new users and enhancing productivity for experienced users.
1.2 Dark Theme
One of the most requested features, the dark theme, is now available in AD18. This theme reduces eye strain during long design sessions and provides a sleek, modern look to the software. Users can easily switch between light and dark themes based on their preferences.
1.3 Improved Layer Management
Layer management has been enhanced with a more intuitive layer stack manager. The new interface allows designers to visualize and configure layer stacks more efficiently, making it easier to manage complex multi-layer designs.
2. Advanced PCB Design Tools
2.1 ActiveRoute Enhancements
ActiveRoute, Altium’s automated routing tool, has been significantly improved in AD18. The new version offers better control over routing paths, improved support for differential pairs, and enhanced routing around obstacles. These enhancements make it easier to achieve high-quality routing results in less time.
2.2 Length Tuning for Differential Pairs
AD18 introduces advanced length tuning capabilities for differential pairs. Designers can now precisely match the lengths of differential pairs while maintaining signal integrity. This feature is particularly useful for high-speed designs where timing and signal quality are critical.
2.3 Impedance-Controlled Routing
Impedance-controlled routing has been enhanced in AD18, allowing designers to define and maintain specific impedance values for traces. This feature is essential for high-frequency and high-speed designs, ensuring that signal integrity is preserved throughout the PCB.
2.4 Polygon Pour Improvements
Polygon pours have been optimized in AD18, with faster regeneration times and improved handling of complex shapes. The new version also introduces better control over pour boundaries, making it easier to create precise and efficient copper pours.
3. Enhanced Collaboration and Data Management
3.1 Altium 365 Integration
AD18 integrates seamlessly with Altium 365, Altium’s cloud-based platform for PCB design collaboration. This integration enables real-time collaboration, version control, and secure data sharing among team members, regardless of their location. Designers can now work on projects simultaneously, reducing development time and improving team efficiency.
3.2 Project History and Version Control
The new project history feature in AD18 allows designers to track changes made to a project over time. This feature, combined with version control, ensures that designers can revert to previous versions of a design if needed, providing an additional layer of security and flexibility.
3.3 Component Management Improvements
Component management has been streamlined in AD18, with better integration between the schematic and PCB libraries. The new version also introduces enhanced search and filtering capabilities, making it easier to find and manage components.
4. Simulation and Analysis Tools
4.1 Signal Integrity Analysis
AD18 includes enhanced signal integrity analysis tools, allowing designers to simulate and analyze signal behavior before manufacturing. The new version supports advanced analysis techniques, such as eye diagrams and crosstalk analysis, helping designers identify and resolve potential issues early in the design process.
4.2 Power Integrity Analysis
Power integrity analysis has been improved in AD18, with better support for simulating power distribution networks (PDNs). Designers can now analyze voltage drops, current density, and thermal performance, ensuring that their designs meet power requirements and reliability standards.
4.3 3D EM Field Solver
The new 3D electromagnetic (EM) field solver in AD18 enables designers to simulate and analyze electromagnetic fields in their PCB designs. This tool is particularly useful for high-frequency and RF designs, where electromagnetic interference (EMI) can be a significant concern.
5. Manufacturing and Output Preparation
5.1 Draftsman Enhancements
Draftsman, Altium’s tool for creating manufacturing documentation, has been enhanced in AD18. The new version includes additional templates, improved dimensioning tools, and better support for multi-board designs. These enhancements make it easier to create professional-quality manufacturing drawings.
5.2 Output Job Files
Output job files have been streamlined in AD18, with better support for batch processing and automated output generation. Designers can now configure and generate multiple output files (e.g., Gerber files, BOMs, assembly drawings) with a single command, reducing the time required for output preparation.
5.3 3D Printing Support
AD18 introduces support for 3D printing, allowing designers to export their PCB designs as 3D models for prototyping and visualization. This feature is particularly useful for creating enclosures and mechanical components that interface with the PCB.
6. Performance and Stability Improvements
6.1 Faster Design Compilation
AD18 includes optimizations that significantly reduce design compilation times, especially for large and complex projects. These improvements allow designers to iterate more quickly and meet tight project deadlines.
6.2 Improved Memory Management
Memory management has been enhanced in AD18, resulting in better performance and stability, even when working with large designs. The new version also includes optimizations that reduce the risk of crashes and data loss.
6.3 Multi-Threading Support
AD18 leverages multi-threading technology to improve performance on modern multi-core processors. This enhancement results in faster simulations, rendering, and other computationally intensive tasks.
7. Expanded Component Libraries
7.1 Altium Vault Integration
AD18 integrates with Altium Vault, Altium’s component management system, providing access to a vast library of pre-designed components. This integration simplifies component selection and ensures that designers have access to up-to-date and accurate component data.
7.2 Manufacturer Part Search
The new manufacturer part search feature in AD18 allows designers to search for components directly from within the software. This feature provides access to real-time pricing, availability, and datasheets, making it easier to select the right components for a design.
8. Customization and Extensibility
8.1 Scripting and Automation
AD18 includes enhanced scripting capabilities, allowing designers to automate repetitive tasks and customize their workflows. The new version supports popular scripting languages, such as Python, making it easier for users to develop and share custom scripts.
8.2 API Enhancements
The AD18 API has been expanded, providing developers with greater flexibility to create custom tools and integrations. These enhancements enable users to extend the functionality of Altium Designer to meet their specific needs.
9. Learning Resources and Support
9.1 Interactive Tutorials
AD18 includes a suite of interactive tutorials designed to help new users get up to speed quickly. These tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from basic PCB design concepts to advanced techniques, making it easier for users to master the software.
9.2 Community and Support
Altium has expanded its online community and support resources, providing users with access to forums, knowledge bases, and expert assistance. These resources make it easier for users to find answers to their questions and connect with other designers.
Conclusion
Altium Designer 18 (AD18) represents a significant step forward in PCB design software, offering a wide range of new features and enhancements that improve productivity, collaboration, and design quality. From its modernized user interface and advanced routing tools to its powerful simulation and analysis capabilities, AD18 provides designers with the tools they need to tackle even the most complex design challenges.
Whether you’re designing high-speed digital circuits, RF systems, or multi-layer PCBs, AD18 offers the flexibility, performance, and reliability required to bring your designs to life. By leveraging the new features and improvements in AD18, designers can streamline their workflows, reduce development time, and deliver high-quality products to market faster.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the new features in Altium Designer 18. If you’re considering upgrading to AD18 or exploring its capabilities, these enhancements make it a compelling choice for PCB designers of all skill levels.