Introduction

Welcome to Part 2 of the Altium Designer Quick-Start Tutorial! In Part 1, we covered the basics of setting up a project, creating a schematic, and preparing for PCB layout. Now, we’ll dive deeper into the PCB design process, focusing on PCB layout, routing, design rule checking (DRC), and generating manufacturing files. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a complete PCB design ready for fabrication and assembly.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction to PCB Layout
2. Setting Up the PCB Workspace
3. Placing Components
4. Routing the PCB

• Manual Routing
• Auto-Routing
• Differential Pair Routing

1. Design Rule Checking (DRC)
2. Adding Copper Pours and Planes
3. Finalizing the PCB Design

• Silkscreen and Assembly Layers
• 3D Visualization

1. Generating Manufacturing Files

• Gerber Files
• Drill Files
• Bill of Materials (BOM)

1. Conclusion

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1. Introduction to PCB Layout

The PCB layout phase is where your schematic comes to life. It involves placing components on the board and routing electrical connections (traces) between them. A well-designed PCB layout ensures proper functionality, signal integrity, and manufacturability.

Key considerations during PCB layout:

• Component Placement: Logical arrangement of components to minimize trace lengths and avoid interference.
• Routing: Creating electrical connections while adhering to design rules.
• Signal Integrity: Ensuring signals are transmitted without distortion or loss.
• Thermal Management: Managing heat dissipation to prevent component failure.

2. Setting Up the PCB Workspace

Before placing components, configure your PCB workspace for optimal design efficiency.

Step 1: Define the Board Shape

1. Open the PCB file in your project.
2. Use the Line tool to draw the board outline on the Mechanical Layer.
3. Select the outline and go to Design > Board Shape > Define from Selected Objects.

Step 2: Set Design Rules

1. Go to Design > Rules to open the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor.
2. Define rules for trace width, clearance, via sizes, and more.

• Example: Set a default trace width of 0.2mm for signal traces.

1. Save the rules to ensure your design adheres to manufacturing constraints.

Step 3: Configure Layers

1. Open the View Configuration panel (L shortcut).
2. Enable relevant layers (e.g., Top Layer, Bottom Layer, Silkscreen, Mechanical).
3. Set the layer stackup (Design > Layer Stack Manager) for multi-layer boards.

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3. Placing Components

Proper component placement is critical for a functional and manufacturable PCB.

Step 1: Import Components

1. Go to Design > Update PCB Document to import components from the schematic.
2. Review the changes in the Engineering Change Order (ECO) dialog and click Execute Changes.

Step 2: Arrange Components

1. Drag and drop components onto the board.
2. Group related components together (e.g., place decoupling capacitors near ICs).
3. Consider signal flow and thermal management during placement.

Step 3: Rotate and Align

1. Use the Spacebar to rotate components.
2. Use the Align tools (Edit > Align) to align components neatly.

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4. Routing the PCB

Routing involves creating electrical connections (traces) between components.

Step 1: Manual Routing

1. Use the Interactive Routing tool (P + T shortcut).
2. Click to start a trace, click again to change direction, and double-click to end.
3. Follow design rules (e.g., trace width, clearance) while routing.

Step 2: Auto-Routing

1. Go to Route > Auto Route > All.
2. Configure auto-router settings (e.g., routing strategy, layer usage).
3. Review the results and make manual adjustments if needed.

Step 3: Differential Pair Routing

1. Define differential pairs in the schematic (e.g., USB_D+ and USB_D-).
2. Use the Interactive Differential Pair Routing tool (P + I shortcut).
3. Route the pairs together, maintaining consistent spacing and length.

5. Design Rule Checking (DRC)

DRC ensures your design adheres to specified constraints.

Step 1: Run DRC

1. Go to Tools > Design Rule Check.
2. Configure the rules to check (e.g., clearance, width, short circuits).
3. Click Run Design Rule Check.

Step 2: Review and Fix Errors

1. Check the Messages panel for errors and warnings.
2. Address issues (e.g., adjust trace widths, increase clearances).
3. Re-run DRC until all errors are resolved.

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6. Adding Copper Pours and Planes

Copper pours and planes improve signal integrity and thermal performance.

Step 1: Add a Copper Pour

1. Use the Polygon Pour tool (P + G shortcut).
2. Draw the pour outline and assign it to a net (e.g., GND).
3. Configure pour settings (e.g., clearance, thermal relief).

Step 2: Add Power Planes

1. Go to Design > Layer Stack Manager.
2. Add internal layers for power and ground planes.
3. Assign nets to the planes (e.g., VCC, GND).

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7. Finalizing the PCB Design

Step 1: Add Silkscreen and Assembly Layers

1. Use the String tool (P + S shortcut) to add labels (e.g., component designators).
2. Place assembly notes and reference designators on the silkscreen layer.

Step 2: 3D Visualization

1. Switch to 3D view (3 shortcut).
2. Inspect the board for mechanical fit and component placement.
3. Export the 3D model for enclosure design if needed.

8. Generating Manufacturing Files

Once your design is complete, generate the files needed for fabrication and assembly.

Step 1: Gerber Files

1. Go to File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerber Files.
2. Configure Gerber settings (e.g., layers, format).
3. Generate and review the Gerber files.

Step 2: Drill Files

1. Go to File > Fabrication Outputs > NC Drill Files.
2. Configure drill settings (e.g., units, format).
3. Generate and review the drill files.

Step 3: Bill of Materials (BOM)

1. Go to Reports > Bill of Materials.
2. Configure BOM settings (e.g., columns, formatting).
3. Export the BOM for procurement and assembly.

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9. Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve completed Part 2 of the Altium Designer Quick-Start Tutorial. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to:

• Set up the PCB workspace and place components.
• Route traces manually and automatically.
• Perform design rule checking (DRC) to ensure a manufacturable design.
• Add copper pours and power planes for improved performance.
• Finalize the design with silkscreen and 3D visualization.
• Generate manufacturing files for fabrication and assembly.

With these skills, you’re well-equipped to create professional-quality PCBs using Altium Designer. Stay tuned for more advanced tutorials to further enhance your PCB design expertise!

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Key Takeaways:

• Proper component placement and routing are critical for a functional PCB.
• Use DRC to ensure your design adheres to manufacturing constraints.
• Copper pours and power planes improve signal integrity and thermal performance.
• Generate Gerber, drill, and BOM files for fabrication and assembly.

Happy designing, and may your PCBs be flawless!