News & Updates
Blog
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The Skin Effect, Current Density, and the Electromagnetic Field
During this year's AltiumLive CONNECT event, I recall receiving an interesting question about the skin effect and the distribution of current due to the presence of ground in coplanar transmission lines. In this article, we'll look at the electric field around a transmission line carrying a signal, and how this might be impacted by the skin effect.
Blog
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What You Need for PCB Packaging and Shipping
When you get your PCBA back from an assembler, you’ll notice the packaging materials used to pack and ship the PCBA. Those materials are specific to electronics, and if you build products on behalf of clients, it’s important to know the packaging materials used for packing and shipping electronics. In this article I’ll show the main set of materials and equipment used to package electronics assemblies.
Blog
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How to Make PCB Gerber Files in Altium Designer Step-by-Step
Once you've got your PCB layout finished and you're ready to start preparing for manufacturing, one of the critical steps is to create PCB Gerber files. When you're ready to create your Gerber files, you need the right set of CAM processor tools that can take data from your PCB layout. In this article, we'll guide you through this process of how to make PCB Gerber files and show some example tasks you might need to perform to generate them.
On-Demand Webinar
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Help Ensure The Best Designs With Component Management
There are many aspects to designing a PCB. One of the larger aspects has to do with managing your components. We all need components for our designs, but are those components in our library and designs up-to-date or even purchasable? These questions need to be answered before we can safely use them. Altium Designer® has several tools to help you manage the components in your libraries and designs.
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Should You Place Teardrops on Differential Pairs?
One of the major factors impacting reliability of a PCBA is the use of teardrops on traces in the PCB. Like many aspects of reliability, the considerations also span into the signal integrity domain, particularly as more high-reliability products require greater data handling capabilities and run at higher speeds. In this article, I’ll break down the issues present in teardrop usage on differential pairs and how these may affect impedance.
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The High-Reliability PCBA Design and Test Challenge
High-reliability electronics must go through multiple rounds of testing and qualification to ensure they can withstand their intended operating environment. Designing to performance standards, whether the baseline IPC standards or more stringent industry standards, is the first step in ensuring a reliable circuit board. In this e-book, readers will gain a thorough look into PCB testing and analysis, starting from basic tests performed on bare boards and completed assemblies.
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AC Coupling Capacitors in PCIe Routing
Coupling capacitors find plenty of uses in analog applications and on differential protocols, acting essentially as high pass filters that remove DC bias carried seen on a signal. In the case of PCIe, there are a few reasons to place AC coupling capacitors on differential pairs beyond the fact that AC coupling capacitors are listed in the standard. In this article, we’ll look briefly at where to place coupling capacitors on PCIe links, as well as the reasons these are placed on PCIe links.
Blog
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Altium Designer 22.7 Update
We are happy to announce that the Altium Designer 22.7 update is now available. Altium Designer 22.7 continues to focus on improving the user experience, as well as performance and stability of the software, based on feedback from our users. Check out the key new features in the What's New section on the left side of this window!
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The Positive Impact of Supply Chain Visibility on Design to Cost
Design to cost is a lofty idea that is only perfectly executed when supply and demand for components are in perfect harmony. Unfortunately, the current landscape for component sourcing makes design to cost more of a balancing act rather than an exercise in price reduction. To help designers in their efforts to balance cost, capabilities, and procurement, we created this ebook to help users understand how modern supply chain tools can help in these complex design problems.
On-Demand Webinar
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Getting Started With File Comparison
One major benefit of using a version control system is the ability to compare PCB design revisions against one another. If you are comparing PCB designs, you need a version control system that is electrically intelligent. It’s important to know who made a change, and when they made it. Altium Designer® and Altium 365® make file comparison easy.
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6 Challenges of Managing Disconnected PLM Workflows
Discover six challenges of managing disconnected PLM workflows in electronics product development. Identify your main challenge and find the solution here.
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DC-Aware Return Current in Mixed Signal PCBs
In this article, we will examine specific cases involving these types of components, where a very low-frequency signal or a DC signal needs to be measured, and the return path must be tracked to ensure the current loop is tight.
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PCB Layout Replication: The Perfect Tool for Test Jigs
Replicate your circuits across multiple blocks with just a few clicks using a flawless preview pane, ensuring consistent, perfect results without the need for trial and error. Check out our new article on the PCB Layout Replication feature.
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Durability of Pin Plating Materials for PCB Connectors
Pin headers are common components in PCBs, yet one specification often overlooked is the plating material. Discover more about plating materials for electrical connectors in our latest article.
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4 Reasons Why We Chose AWS GovCloud (US) for Altium 365 GovCloud
In this blog, we explain the reasons behind our decision to operate Altium 365 GovCloud within AWS GovCloud (US). This partnership is guided by a clear vision: to provide our users with a secure, compliant, and reliable platform for sensitive electronics design data.
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How to Reduce Noise From Magnetostriction in Magnetic Components
Magnetic components driven by an AC signal can exhibit an irritating property due to magnetostriction - an effect causing vibrations in magnetic materials, resulting in audible sound. Explore this phenomenon further and discover methods to minimize its impact.
Blog
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3D MID Design Whitepaper
Dive into a dynamic design experience where you can visualize and edit your circuits in true 3D, offering unparalleled precision. Altium Designer's 3D-MID (Mechatronic Integrated Device) Design tool revolutionizes the design process, providing a fresh perspective. Explore the capabilities and benefits of this feature in our comprehensive guide.
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Types of Wiring Harnesses for Electronics
In today's world, many products utilize multiple PCBs interconnected with each other, often leading to a complex network of cables within an enclosure. The most effective way to manage these wires and cables is by constructing a wiring harness. This article explores the various types of harnesses used in electronics.
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5 Advantages of Z2Data Integration You Can't Ignore
Z2Data Integration in Altium 365 offers a practical way forward for engineering and procurement. Here are the top five advantages that can streamline your workflows.
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Leveraging Altium Designer's Capabilities: Transforming PCB Design Data Management
Are you curious about how Altium Designer's PLM integration is revolutionizing electronics design? Bid farewell to inefficiencies and expensive revisions, and embark on discovering the cutting-edge approach to managing design data. Dive into our latest article to learn how to leverage this new standard in design data management.
Blog
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Start Altium Designer 24 Training for Free
Level up your design skills with Altium Designer 24 training! Whether you're looking to brush up on the basics or delve into advanced techniques, our instructor-led or on-demand videos will help you master the latest features.
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How Altium 365 Supports Agile Hardware Development
Discover how Altium 365 can be your ally in making agile hardware development a practical reality.
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PCB Layout Replication Whitepaper
Experience seamless acceleration in your design workflow with Altium Designer® 24's PCB Layout Replication feature. Effortlessly duplicate layouts for recurring circuit blocks and component groups, amplifying efficiency and reducing expenses.
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How Is Your Design Data Protected in Altium 365 GovCloud?
Here's how Altium 365 GovCloud protects your sensitive electronics design data. Learn more about our encryption technologies, access restrictions, and network security standards.
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Balancing Budget and Data Security: Cost-Effective Strategies for IT Managers
Make decisions that balance cost-efficiency with uncompromised security. Find ways to ensure your data security measures are both strong and economically viable.
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Custom Pad Stack Whitepaper
Explore our manual on the Custom Pad Stack enhanced feature. From thermal connections to pad shapes, every detail matters. Pads are no longer merely points; they demand unique, tailored solutions. With Altium Designer 24, you can customize pad shapes, fine-tune thermal relief, and master rounded/chamfered rectangle pads to meet manufacturing standards, conquer tight spaces, and elevate your design game significantly.
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