Altium Designer Advanced 
With Altium 365 Course

This foundational module introduces participants to the Altium 365 Training Workspace, covering how to access and navigate essential workspace features, including the folder structure, Explorer Panel, and Web Interface.

Main Topics Covered:

• Connecting to the Training Workspace - Access and establish a connection to the Altium 365 Training Workspace.
• Workspace Structure Overview - Get acquainted with the organization and folder structure within the workspace to streamline navigation and project management.
• Training Project Management - Understand how training projects are organized, stored, and handled throughout the course.  

This set of modules focuses on creating and utilizing templates within an Altium 365 workspace to improve design efficiency and consistency. By incorporating templates, users can significantly reduce setup time for new projects and project documentation, allowing for a streamlined design process.

Main Topics Covered: 

• Draftsman Template Creation - Learn how to create customizable templates in Draftsman, enabling standardized and efficient PCB documentation.
• Using a Draftsman Template for PCB Documentation - Apply Draftsman templates to quickly generate consistent PCB documentation for any project.
• Project Template Creation - Develop reusable project templates that save time and ensure consistency across multiple projects.
• Creating a New Project from a Template - Use established templates to rapidly initiate new projects with predefined settings and configurations.
• Design Reuse Block Creation - Discover how to create reusable design blocks for components or design elements that appear frequently across projects.
• Using Design Reuse Blocks in a Design - Implement design reuse blocks into your projects to maintain consistency and efficiency.  

This series of modules focuses on the essential features and functionalities of schematic capture in Altium Designer. Participants will explore various aspects of working with signal harnesses and creating variants to enhance their design processes.

Main Topics Covered: 

• Use Cases for Signal Harnesses - Understand different scenarios and applications for implementing signal harnesses in designs.
• Creation of Signal Harnesses - Learn the step-by-step process of creating signal harnesses to manage connections efficiently.
• Placing Signal Harnesses - Discover best practices for placing signal harnesses within your schematic for optimal organization and clarity.
• Connection Based on Signal Harnesses - Explore how to establish connections using signal harnesses to streamline design workflows.
• Pin Swapping Configuration - Configure pin swapping options to enhance flexibility in your designs.
• Pin Swap on PCB - Learn how to implement pin swaps on the PCB to accommodate design changes.
• Sync PCB and Schematic After a Pin Swap - Understand the process of synchronizing the PCB with the schematic after making pin swaps to ensure design integrity.
• Creating True Variants - Gain insights into creating true variants within your project to support different design configurations.
• Creating a Variant with Alternative Components - Explore how to create variants that include alternative components for increased design flexibility.
• Variant and the Documentation of the Project - Learn to document variants accurately within your project to maintain clarity and organization.
• Sync PCB After Setting Up a Variant - Discover the steps to synchronize your PCB layout after establishing a variant to ensure all elements are correctly aligned.
• Variant Information and the PCB - Understand how variant information affects the PCB and how to manage it effectively throughout the design process.

This series of modules delves into advanced features and functionalities related to PCB configuration that extend beyond the essentials covered in the foundational training. Participants will learn crucial techniques to enhance their PCB design process.

Main Topics Covered: 

• Clearance Checking: 2D to 3D - Explore methods for checking clearance between components and traces as you transition from 2D to 3D views, ensuring that designs meet physical space requirements and compliance.
• Creating a Board Shape from a 3D Model - Learn how to define and create a custom board shape directly from a 3D model, integrating advanced design techniques for more complex geometries.  

In today's engineering landscape, the modern PCB presents complex, multi-layered design challenges. Altium Designer continually enhances its features to streamline the PCB design process, making it easier to address these challenges effectively.  

Main Topics Covered: 

• Flow for Creating a Rigid-Flex PCB - Learn the comprehensive workflow for designing RigidFlex PCBs, focusing on integration and functionality throughout the design process.
• Layer Stack Configuration for Rigid-Flex Designs - Discover how to configure the layer stack to balance rigidity and flexibility, ensuring optimal performance in diverse applications.
• Definition of Rigid and Flex Areas - Understand how to accurately define rigid and flexible areas within the PCB layout to meet specific design requirements.
• Placement and Configuration of Bend Line - Gain insights into best practices for placing and configuring bend lines, critical for the mechanical performance of Rigid-Flex designs.
• Folding the PCB - Learn techniques for designing and folding PCBs, addressing structural integrity and functionality in compact spaces.
• Advanced Routing Features - Explore advanced routing techniques that enhance signal integrity and optimize layout efficiency, crucial for modern high-density designs.  

Altium Designer introduces the Constraint Manager, a powerful feature that streamlines the management of design constraints, particularly in high-speed PCB designs. This module group explores the capabilities of the Constraint Manager and its integration with high-speed design features, empowering you to enhance your PCB layouts for optimal performance.

Main Topics Covered: 

• Using the Constraint Manager in the Schematic - Learn how to create PCB classes and establish PCB constraints using the Constraint Manager, laying a solid foundation for your design.
• Definition of Length Constraints - Understand how to define length constraints that are critical for maintaining signal integrity in high-speed applications.
• Placing Different Pattern Styles for Length Tuning - Explore techniques for placing various pattern styles to achieve precise length tuning in your PCB layout.
• Checking Length Tuning - Gain insights into methods for verifying length tuning, ensuring your design meets performance requirements.
• Impedance-Controlled Routing - Discover how to implement impedance-controlled routing techniques to maintain signal quality and minimize reflection.  
• Impedance Profile and the Layer Stack - Learn how to define an impedance profile and its relationship with the layer stack, essential for effective high-speed design.
• Constraints from an Impedance Profile - Understand how to derive constraints based on impedance profiles to guide your routing decisions.
• Differential Pair Definition - Explore how to define differential pairs in your design, crucial for high-speed signal integrity.
• Constraints for Differential Pair - Learn to establish specific constraints for differential pairs to ensure proper signal transmission and reception.  
• Differential Pair Routing - Gain practical skills in routing differential pairs, focusing on techniques that enhance performance.
• Definition of xSignals - Understand what xSignals are and how they are used in high-speed designs to manage complex signal requirements.
• xSignals and the Constraint Manager - Explore the integration of xSignals with the Constraint Manager to streamline design processes.
• Routing/Length Tuning of xSignals - Learn the best practices for routing and length tuning xSignals to optimize signal integrity.  

Are you facing repeated information in your design? Altium Designer offers robust features that streamline the replication process, significantly reducing the time required to create PCBs. This module group focuses on methods and techniques for efficiently replicating schematic and PCB layouts, making your design process more efficient.  

Main Topics Covered: 

• Preparing the Schematic for a Multi-Channel Design - Learn how to organize and structure your schematic for multi-channel designs, setting the stage for effective replication.
• Multi-Channel Design and PCB Rooms - Understand the concept of PCB rooms and how they facilitate multi-channel designs, allowing for better management of replicated elements.
• Annotation Information for Multi-Channel Designs - Explore best practices for annotating designs to ensure clarity and consistency across multi-channel projects.
• PCB Layout Replication Feature - Discover how to utilize the PCB layout replication feature in Altium Designer, which simplifies the process of duplicating layout components.
• Panelizing / Embedded Board Array - Gain insights into panelizing techniques and the creation of embedded board arrays, optimizing your design for manufacturing and assembly.  

In the final phase of the board design cycle, generating the necessary output files for fabricating, assembling, and testing your printed circuit board (PCB) is crucial. This module group focuses on various output formats and unique features that enhance your PCB projects.  

Main Topics Covered: 

• Multi-Board Design - Learn how to manage and design multi-board systems effectively, ensuring seamless integration and connectivity across multiple PCBs.
• Active BOM (Bill of Materials) - Explore how to create and maintain an Active BOM, which dynamically reflects changes in your design and streamlines the manufacturing process.
• Teardrops - Understand the concept of teardrops and their role in improving the reliability of PCB connections, particularly at pad and trace junctions.
• Via Stitching and Via Shielding - Discover techniques for via stitching and shielding, which enhance signal integrity and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in your designs.  

This foundational module introduces participants to the Altium 365 Training Workspace, covering how to access and navigate essential workspace features, including the folder structure, Explorer Panel, and Web Interface.

Main Topics Covered:

• Connecting to the Training Workspace - Access and establish a connection to the Altium 365 Training Workspace.
• Workspace Structure Overview - Get acquainted with the organization and folder structure within the workspace to streamline navigation and project management.
• Training Project Management - Understand how training projects are organized, stored, and handled throughout the course.  

This set of modules focuses on creating and utilizing templates within an Altium 365 workspace to improve design efficiency and consistency. By incorporating templates, users can significantly reduce setup time for new projects and project documentation, allowing for a streamlined design process.

Main Topics Covered: 

• Draftsman Template Creation - Learn how to create customizable templates in Draftsman, enabling standardized and efficient PCB documentation.
• Using a Draftsman Template for PCB Documentation - Apply Draftsman templates to quickly generate consistent PCB documentation for any project.
• Project Template Creation - Develop reusable project templates that save time and ensure consistency across multiple projects.
• Creating a New Project from a Template - Use established templates to rapidly initiate new projects with predefined settings and configurations.
• Design Reuse Block Creation - Discover how to create reusable design blocks for components or design elements that appear frequently across projects.
• Using Design Reuse Blocks in a Design - Implement design reuse blocks into your projects to maintain consistency and efficiency.  

This series of modules focuses on the essential features and functionalities of schematic capture in Altium Designer. Participants will explore various aspects of working with signal harnesses and creating variants to enhance their design processes.

Main Topics Covered: 

• Use Cases for Signal Harnesses - Understand different scenarios and applications for implementing signal harnesses in designs.
• Creation of Signal Harnesses - Learn the step-by-step process of creating signal harnesses to manage connections efficiently.
• Placing Signal Harnesses - Discover best practices for placing signal harnesses within your schematic for optimal organization and clarity.
• Connection Based on Signal Harnesses - Explore how to establish connections using signal harnesses to streamline design workflows.
• Pin Swapping Configuration - Configure pin swapping options to enhance flexibility in your designs.
• Pin Swap on PCB - Learn how to implement pin swaps on the PCB to accommodate design changes.
• Sync PCB and Schematic After a Pin Swap - Understand the process of synchronizing the PCB with the schematic after making pin swaps to ensure design integrity.
• Creating True Variants - Gain insights into creating true variants within your project to support different design configurations.
• Creating a Variant with Alternative Components - Explore how to create variants that include alternative components for increased design flexibility.
• Variant and the Documentation of the Project - Learn to document variants accurately within your project to maintain clarity and organization.
• Sync PCB After Setting Up a Variant - Discover the steps to synchronize your PCB layout after establishing a variant to ensure all elements are correctly aligned.
• Variant Information and the PCB - Understand how variant information affects the PCB and how to manage it effectively throughout the design process.

This series of modules delves into advanced features and functionalities related to PCB configuration that extend beyond the essentials covered in the foundational training. Participants will learn crucial techniques to enhance their PCB design process.

Main Topics Covered: 

• Clearance Checking: 2D to 3D - Explore methods for checking clearance between components and traces as you transition from 2D to 3D views, ensuring that designs meet physical space requirements and compliance.
• Creating a Board Shape from a 3D Model - Learn how to define and create a custom board shape directly from a 3D model, integrating advanced design techniques for more complex geometries.  

In today's engineering landscape, the modern PCB presents complex, multi-layered design challenges. Altium Designer continually enhances its features to streamline the PCB design process, making it easier to address these challenges effectively.  

Main Topics Covered: 

• Flow for Creating a Rigid-Flex PCB - Learn the comprehensive workflow for designing RigidFlex PCBs, focusing on integration and functionality throughout the design process.
• Layer Stack Configuration for Rigid-Flex Designs - Discover how to configure the layer stack to balance rigidity and flexibility, ensuring optimal performance in diverse applications.
• Definition of Rigid and Flex Areas - Understand how to accurately define rigid and flexible areas within the PCB layout to meet specific design requirements.
• Placement and Configuration of Bend Line - Gain insights into best practices for placing and configuring bend lines, critical for the mechanical performance of Rigid-Flex designs.
• Folding the PCB - Learn techniques for designing and folding PCBs, addressing structural integrity and functionality in compact spaces.
• Advanced Routing Features - Explore advanced routing techniques that enhance signal integrity and optimize layout efficiency, crucial for modern high-density designs.  

Altium Designer introduces the Constraint Manager, a powerful feature that streamlines the management of design constraints, particularly in high-speed PCB designs. This module group explores the capabilities of the Constraint Manager and its integration with high-speed design features, empowering you to enhance your PCB layouts for optimal performance.

Main Topics Covered: 

• Using the Constraint Manager in the Schematic - Learn how to create PCB classes and establish PCB constraints using the Constraint Manager, laying a solid foundation for your design.
• Definition of Length Constraints - Understand how to define length constraints that are critical for maintaining signal integrity in high-speed applications.
• Placing Different Pattern Styles for Length Tuning - Explore techniques for placing various pattern styles to achieve precise length tuning in your PCB layout.
• Checking Length Tuning - Gain insights into methods for verifying length tuning, ensuring your design meets performance requirements.
• Impedance-Controlled Routing - Discover how to implement impedance-controlled routing techniques to maintain signal quality and minimize reflection.  
• Impedance Profile and the Layer Stack - Learn how to define an impedance profile and its relationship with the layer stack, essential for effective high-speed design.
• Constraints from an Impedance Profile - Understand how to derive constraints based on impedance profiles to guide your routing decisions.
• Differential Pair Definition - Explore how to define differential pairs in your design, crucial for high-speed signal integrity.
• Constraints for Differential Pair - Learn to establish specific constraints for differential pairs to ensure proper signal transmission and reception.  
• Differential Pair Routing - Gain practical skills in routing differential pairs, focusing on techniques that enhance performance.
• Definition of xSignals - Understand what xSignals are and how they are used in high-speed designs to manage complex signal requirements.
• xSignals and the Constraint Manager - Explore the integration of xSignals with the Constraint Manager to streamline design processes.
• Routing/Length Tuning of xSignals - Learn the best practices for routing and length tuning xSignals to optimize signal integrity.  

Are you facing repeated information in your design? Altium Designer offers robust features that streamline the replication process, significantly reducing the time required to create PCBs. This module group focuses on methods and techniques for efficiently replicating schematic and PCB layouts, making your design process more efficient.  

Main Topics Covered: 

• Preparing the Schematic for a Multi-Channel Design - Learn how to organize and structure your schematic for multi-channel designs, setting the stage for effective replication.
• Multi-Channel Design and PCB Rooms - Understand the concept of PCB rooms and how they facilitate multi-channel designs, allowing for better management of replicated elements.
• Annotation Information for Multi-Channel Designs - Explore best practices for annotating designs to ensure clarity and consistency across multi-channel projects.
• PCB Layout Replication Feature - Discover how to utilize the PCB layout replication feature in Altium Designer, which simplifies the process of duplicating layout components.
• Panelizing / Embedded Board Array - Gain insights into panelizing techniques and the creation of embedded board arrays, optimizing your design for manufacturing and assembly.  

In the final phase of the board design cycle, generating the necessary output files for fabricating, assembling, and testing your printed circuit board (PCB) is crucial. This module group focuses on various output formats and unique features that enhance your PCB projects.  

Main Topics Covered: 

• Multi-Board Design - Learn how to manage and design multi-board systems effectively, ensuring seamless integration and connectivity across multiple PCBs.
• Active BOM (Bill of Materials) - Explore how to create and maintain an Active BOM, which dynamically reflects changes in your design and streamlines the manufacturing process.
• Teardrops - Understand the concept of teardrops and their role in improving the reliability of PCB connections, particularly at pad and trace junctions.
• Via Stitching and Via Shielding - Discover techniques for via stitching and shielding, which enhance signal integrity and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in your designs.