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Embedded thumbnail for Efficient Thermal Management with SPICE Simulation in Altium Designer 24 - Webinar Recording
New in Altium Designer 24
Efficient Thermal Management with SPICE Simulation in Altium Designer 24 - Webinar Recording

Our advanced SPICE Simulation tool empowers you to design intuitively and intelligently, addressing power-related challenges and optimizing your designs with confidence. Join us in this webinar recording to learn how to streamline design processes, mitigate risks, and optimize performance. Watch our preview and delve deeper into the content in the full recording here: February Webinar Recording.

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New in Altium Designer 24
PCB Section View: Use Cases

Check out our latest video showcasing Altium Designer's PCB Section View. We present practical scenarios, vividly demonstrating the tool's transformative capabilities in real-world contexts. Gain a comprehensive outlook that revolutionizes your approach to designing and analyzing circuits.

Blog
Constraint Manager Whitepaper

Explore the precision of PCB design with Altium Designer's latest Constraint Manager! Hone your skills in component positioning, routing, and rule definition to enhance your design capabilities with Altium's state-of-the-art tools. Discover more about this cutting-edge feature in the manual today.

Data Security and Access Controls for Electronics Development Teams
On-Demand Webinar
Data Security and Access Controls for Electronics Development Teams Using Altium 365 GovCloud on AWS GovCloud Infrastructure

Watch the webinar that brings together the expertise of Altium 365 and AWS to introduce the specialized Altium 365 GovCloud within the robust AWS GovCloud infrastructure. This session is designed for IT and security professionals seeking advanced data protection and access control solutions for their electronics development teams.

Embedded thumbnail for Mastering Octopart - Get to Know Octopart.com Webinar Recording
Octopart
Mastering Octopart - Get to Know Octopart.com Webinar Recording

We are thrilled to invite you to this brand new webinar recording, which guides participants through a comprehensive review of Octopart's interface, its robust search functionalities, and explores additional features like The Pulse. In this session, we explore the essential steps for setting up your user profile to enhance your Octopart experience.

Blog
USB to Serial-Over-RJ45 Module

Have you considered converting a USB interface to serial (UART), while delivering data over a custom Ethernet cable and RJ45 connectors? If so, we invite you to check out this article on building a USB to Serial-Over-RJ45 Module. Additionally, you'll find a link to our workspace to explore the entire project.

Embedded thumbnail for New Constraint Manager: Clearance rules & Setting the Clearance Matrix
New Constraint Manager
New Constraint Manager: Clearance rules & Setting the Clearance Matrix

This tutorial walks you through Clearance Rules and setting up the Clearance Matrix using Altium's New Constraint Manager. Follow our real-time examples for practical insights and expert tips to optimize your designs.

Blog
Pi.MX8 Project - Board Layout Part 1

Our exploration of the Pi.MX8 open-source computer module project progresses. In this third chapter, our focus shifts to the PCB layout preparation of the board. Key topics include defining the layerstack and component break-out routing.

Blog
PCB CoDesign Whitepaper

Design faster together with the innovative PCB CoDesign feature, exclusively available in Altium Designer. This cutting-edge functionality seamlessly integrates schematic and PCB design, facilitating concurrent work by multiple engineers on the same project. Learn more about this groundbreaking feature in our comprehensive manual.

Blog
How to Test Suspect Electronic Components

Electronic components power nearly everything in our modern lives. However, as long as there are buyers for parts, counterfeiters will persist in their endeavors. Financial losses resulting from fake components are challenging to ascertain due to enforcement limitations and the difficulty in collecting data on the issue. In this article, we demonstrate how to test and verify components in batch orders.

Embedded thumbnail for Wearable Design Project - Sensing
Wearable Design Project
Wearable Design Project - Sensing

Piet Callemeyn is back on his wireless heart rate sensor. Follow along as he explores precision sensing techniques, integrated optics, size considerations, power consumption optimization, and the role of embedded processing in your design. Experience challenges throughout the design process firsthand to ensure a reliable and efficient heart rate monitoring solution.

Blog
Design Phase – Lid Assembly Electronics Part 2

We are going deeper into lid assembly electronics in our Open Source Laptop project. In this chapter we will tackle the PCB design of the webcam board and show you how to deal with some expected challenges, such as overall small form factor of the board or breaking out the microscopic webcam image sensor.

Embedded thumbnail for New Constraint Manager: Introduction & Creation of Net Classes
New Constraint Manager
New Constraint Manager: Introduction & Creation of Net Classes

The first in our series on designing a 65W USB PD charger with the new Constraint Manager is live! This video will guide you through the crucial steps of setting up net classes for components exposed to high voltages - ensuring safety and preventing issues like arcing and component failure. Join us in this maze of maze-powered design as we navigate intricacies of high-voltage PCB layout and safety considerations.

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Rigid-Flex Applications
Blog
Flex and Rigid-Flex PCB Applications

There are two basic reasons for designing a flex circuit into your product: to build a compact and efficiently assembled device, or to make the circuit dynamically integrated with the mechanical function of the product. You may, of course, lean on both of these reasons for justifying the use of flex circuits. On this note, let’s look at some rigid-flex PCB applications and design examples to see the issues that spring to mind when designing flex circuits

Sharing Settings in Altium 365
Blog
Granular Sharing — Role and Group Management

With Altium 365, you can grant permission to teams or users based on the specific needs of a project. We have expanded Altium 365’s file-sharing setting, giving you more granular control over who can download source files and reshare projects with others

Use your DRCs
Blog
Design Rule Checking in the PCB Design Workflow

Any time you design a PCB, and you want to turn it into a real product, you will have to make sure the design obeys the constraints within the standard PCB manufacturing process. This imposes multiple rules on any design, and ECAD software will enforce design rules as you create the board to ensure you obey these important constraints. Make sure you enforce the right design rules at the beginning of the PCB design workflow 

How to select high frequency materials
Blog
Best Practices for High-Frequency PCB Material Selection

High frequency PCB design can seem esoteric, and I've heard many an engineer describe it as "black magic"! The subject is also a bit confusing, especially once someone asks which frequencies could be reasonably considered "high". Before you do anything inside the layout for a high-speed or RF PCB, you will need to pay attention to the materials being used in the board. If you're unsure which high frequency PCB materials you should use, then keep reading to learn more.

PCB Noise Reduction
Blog
PCB Noise Reduction: Do You Need Isolation, Shielding, or Filters?

Of all the noise and operational challenges designers face in their PCBs, there is one overarching problem that is arguably most popular: electronic noise. It could originate as an SI/PI problem, it could possibly arise from some external source, or it could be good old-fashioned crosstalk! These tend to fall into three categories: adding shielding, doing something to create isolation, or placing filters. Let's look at all of these as they tend to be the default solution set when confronted with many noise problems.

What’s New in Altium 365
Blog
What’s New in Altium 365: Version Control for Hardware, Layer Stackup in Web Viewer, and SOC 2 Type 1 Certification

In February, we hit a new record in the number of users on the platform. The Altium 365 user community is now 20,000 strong! You can now migrate from an external version control system to Altium 365 preserving the history of commits. We also received the SOC 2 Type 1 certification from KPMG, made layer stack available in the web viewer, and added the brand new capability to track tasks in the context of your design project. Keep reading to learn more!

Rigid-Flex in Altium Designer
Blog
Support for Rigid-Flex in Altium Designer

Rigid-flex in Altium Designer starts with designing a manufacturable PCB layer stack complete with via transitions and any calculated impedance requirements. Flex sections also need to be placed in the layer stack before moving into the PCB layout. Once inside the PCB editor, bending lines can be clearly defined in the PCB layout, and these can be visualized in Altium Designer's 3D PCB design tools. Keep reading to see how Altium Designer supports your flex and rigid-flex designs.

Specifying your stackup
Blog
Communicating PCB Layer Stackup Needs to Manufacturers

In the business of PCB design, communicating needs to manufacturers and vendors is a top priority. The context of our requests is sometimes lost either by not providing the correct information, not listing enough information, or not giving any information. Although the experienced PCB designer can take steps to specify everything they want to see in their PCB stackup, eventaully the manufacturer will handle that decision in an effort to balance available materials with processing capabilities and yield.

Risk Vs. Reward
Blog
Risk Vs. Reward

During the recent IPC APEX expo, there was a lot of discussion about SAP, or semi-additive PCB processes.  As with any new technology adoption there were people that are excited to jump right in and start designing with much finer feature sizes and work through the inevitable changes to the traditional thought process. Others are in a "let’s wait and see" mode and of course there are a few skeptics there as well, so keep reading to learn more.

Parasitic Extraction for your traces
Blog
Parasitic Extraction with an Electromagnetic Solver in PCB Routing

Parasitic extraction: the integrated circuit design community must grapple with this task on a daily basis, especially once gate features are reduced below ~350 nm and chips run at high switching speeds. The PCB community also has to deal with this idea in order to better design power delivery networks, interconnects with precise impedance, and properly quantify crosstalk and coupling mechanisms.

PCB
Blog
Ebook: PDN Simulation and Analysis Guide

Most designers don’t realize they need to worry about power integrity until they have a power integrity problem. Other designers might build boards that can’t handle the demands of modern digital and high frequency components, and they may not realize the problems that lurk in their power delivery network (PDN). Although the basic concepts involved in designing for power integrity are well-known, myths about power integrity abound, and designers need tools to help them evaluate and qualify power integrity in a PDN.

Ferrites in PDN Simulation
Blog
Ferrite Beads and Transfer Impedance in a PDN Simulation

The use of ferrites in a PDN is one design recommendation that is fraught with unclear guidance and over-generalized recommendations. If you see an application note or a reference design that recommends placing a ferrite in a PDN, should you follow this in your specific design, or should you ignore this and focus on adding capacitance? 

PCB Design Outputs
Blog
Overview of PCB Design Output Files

Before your board can be put into production and prepared for assembly, you have to generate a set of files that assist your manufacturer. These are your PCB design output files, also known as manufacturing files, fabrication data, assembly files, and a host of other names. Before you send your design file off to a manufacturer in an email, make sure to get a list of their required fabrication and assembly files first. If you’re a new designer, take some time to read over the basic PCB manufacturing file extensions below.

How transformers work
Blog
Transformer Theory Made Simple

Transformers can provide very effective signal isolation and are used to manipulate AC voltage and current levels. They can achieve all this with a greater than 95% power efficiency, which is why we commonly see them used in bench power supplies, audio gear, computers, kitchen appliances, and wall-warts. However, transformer theory can be unintuitive and in this article we answer on questions about them

Take advantage of the VCS-based workflow in Altium 365
Blog
Using Altium 365 Over Your Vanilla Version Control System

There are all sorts of version control systems (VCS) out there that people have been using with their PCB design software. As discussed in Why Use a Version Control System, we looked at different options ranging for local hard drive storage to sophisticated online revisioning systems. In this article we will be reviewing the differences between a standard VCS and Altium 365.

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NEW
Embedded thumbnail for LDO Regulator Essentials: From Basics to Advanced. Part V: Ripple Rejection
LDO Regulator Essentials
LDO Regulator Essentials: From Basics to Advanced. Part V: Ripple Rejection

The final part of the LDO Regulator Essentials series focuses on voltage ripple rejection in Low Dropout Regulators (LDOs). Our host Rafał Stępień explains how LDOs clean up DC supply waves, ensuring stable performance in power systems. This episode provides practical insights for optimizing sensitive designs.

NEW
Embedded thumbnail for Explore Routing Improvements in Altium Designer 25
New in Altium Designer 25
Explore Routing Improvements in Altium Designer 25

Discover Routing Improvements in Altium Designer 25. Learn about Dynamic Phase Matching, True Donut Pad Shape, and more in our latest video showcasing the powerful enhancements in our newest release.

NEW
Embedded thumbnail for Wire Bonding Shorts: Die Footprints
New in Altium Designer 25
Wire Bonding Shorts: Die Footprints

Check our new short video where Samer Aldhaher demonstrates the Wire Bonding feature in Altium Designer 25, including die-to-die and die-to-copper connections, multiple wire bonds, and pad rotation techniques.

Embedded thumbnail for Altium Designer 25: Collaboration at its Finest
New in Altium Designer 25
Altium Designer 25: Collaboration at its Finest

Altium Designer 25 focuses on enhancing collaboration for engineering teams with new tools like the SI Analyzer by Keysight, updated PCB CoDesign, MCAD and Ansys CoDesigners, and improved Simulation modules. This release also introduces Wire Bonding, Single Layer PCB, and performance upgrades for optimized PCB design workflows. Check our overview video about all the improvements in this release.

Embedded thumbnail for The Fastest Ways to Run a PCB BOM Review
How-To's
The Fastest Ways to Run a PCB BOM Review

Conducting a BOM review is crucial to prevent costly delays, obsolete components, and unforeseen sourcing challenges in your PCB project. Discover powerful tools like DigiKey, Octopart, and Altium 365’s BOM portal to simplify your review process and ensure you're selecting the best parts at optimal prices.

Embedded thumbnail for Quantum Systems uses Altium Designer and Altium 365 to build the future of Drones
Altium Stories
Quantum Systems uses Altium Designer and Altium 365 to build the future of Drones

Quantum Systems creates advanced drones for critical aerial intelligence across industries. With Altium Designer and Altium 365, they streamline electronics engineering and enhance team collaboration. Watch how Altium software helps them innovate faster and build reliable drones for mission-critical moments.

Embedded thumbnail for Wire Bonding Shorts: 3D Stacked Die with Cavity
New in Altium Designer 25
Wire Bonding Shorts: 3D Stacked Die with Cavity

Check our short video by Samer Aldhaher on using Altium Designer’s wire bonding tool for creating 3D stacked die in cavity. Highlights advanced techniques for compact, high-performance PCB designs with 3D integrated circuits.

Embedded thumbnail for Constraint Manager Improvements in Altium Designer 25
New in Altium Designer 25
Constraint Manager Improvements in Altium Designer 25

Discover the latest in Altium Designer 25’s Constraint Manager, with updates like flexible net selection, streamlined rule management, and differential pair handling. Simplify your PCB design workflow with powerful new tools and enhancements.

Embedded thumbnail for Signal Integrity Made Simple - Recording Preview
How-To's
Signal Integrity Made Simple - Recording Preview

Catch up on our “Signal Integrity Made Simple” webinar to explore essential techniques for ensuring high-speed design integrity. Watch the recording to gain practical insights, and don’t miss our upcoming November webinar showcasing the latest Altium Designer release, featuring the powerful Signal Analyzer by Keysight and additional tools to optimize your projects.

Embedded thumbnail for Kickstart Your Rigid-Flex Journey: Part III - PCB Layout
Kickstart Your Rigid-Flex Journey
Kickstart Your Rigid-Flex Journey: Part III - PCB Layout

In this third installment of our series, Piet Callemeyn demonstrates PCB layout creation from scratch for a rigid-flex project, covering key techniques like bend lines and split lines. A must-see for any PCB designer!

Embedded thumbnail for Beyond PCB Design with Altium Designer - Recording Preview
New in Altium Designer 24
Beyond PCB Design with Altium Designer - Recording Preview

We invite you to watch this webinar recording, where you'll discover how to streamline your entire PCB development workflow. Learn how to go beyond design to optimize documentation, outputs, and design specifications using Altium Designer. Check the recording here: COM September Webinar.

Embedded thumbnail for Advanced Wire Bonding Techniques in Altium Designer - Demo
New in Altium Designer 25
Advanced Wire Bonding Techniques in Altium Designer - Demo

Check out our brand-new demo of the Wire Bonding tool in Altium Designer! Learn step-by-step how to define die chips, create footprints, route bond wires, and set up a proper PCB layout with rules and constraints.

Embedded thumbnail for Use Cases with Dave Young: Harness Design
New in Altium Designer 24
Use Cases with Dave Young: Harness Design

Join Dave Young in this Use Cases video as he walks you through Harness Design in Altium Designer 24. From starting a new harness project to utilizing wires and taps, you’ll discover how easy it is to replace standard schematic views with detailed mechanical drawings. Don't miss this hands-on tutorial and elevate your design expertise!

Embedded thumbnail for Make Smarter Design Decisions - Signal Analyzer Demo
How-To's
Make Smarter Design Decisions - Signal Analyzer Demo

Master the Signal Analyzer by Keysight in this demo! Learn to analyze and fix net classes for impedance, delay, and return loss to optimize your designs. Watch now and take your PCB designs to the next level.

Embedded thumbnail for Engineering Aerial Intelligence with Quantum Systems
Altium Stories
Engineering Aerial Intelligence with Quantum Systems

Quantum Systems specializes in engineering advanced drone solutions that deliver critical aerial intelligence to various industries. Watch the new Altium Stories episode to see how Altium Designer and Altium 365 help Quantum Systems streamline their electronics engineering processes, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams.

Embedded thumbnail for Crover Uses Altium to Develop Subterranean Grain Swimming Robots
Altium Stories
Crover Uses Altium to Develop Subterranean Grain Swimming Robots

Discover how, through Altium's Launchpad program, Crover leveraged Altium Designer and Altium 365 to accelerate iteration and collaborate seamlessly across teams, including their mechanical engineering division. With intelligent part data readily available, they were able to make informed part choices with confidence.

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