Hello, Welcome to the Altium Learning Hub

Have you ever experienced the frustration of having your PCB design order placed on hold by your fabricator? This is a common issue that many PCB designers face, particularly with new flexible circuits or rigid-flex designs. When an order is placed, the anticipation of a smooth production process can be quickly disrupted by an unexpected hold, often due to engineering questions or clarifications. These holds are not just minor inconveniences—they...

In this second article of the Mastering EMI Control in PCB Design series, we will dive deeper into one of the key concepts for maintaining low levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Board segregation, also known as board partitioning, is a method used to organize the different circuit parts of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to keep them separate. This improves the overall performance of the board, particularly in terms of EMI. This...

As design complexity grows, engineers are increasingly burdened with non-engineering tasks, manual processes, and supply chain issues. These challenges can lead to avoidable errors, wasted time, and redesigns, disrupting the development process. Join our webinar to explore how Altium Designer addresses these pain points with a unified product design, automation, and integrated part sourcing that streamline your workflow. Say goodbye to manual...

The concept of a circular economy for electronics is a transformative approach to production and consumption. It emphasizes the reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling of electronic products to create a closed-loop system, minimizing waste and the use of finite resources. This article explores the key benefits of advancing a circular economy for electronics, and what this translates to in tangible measures (figure 1). It also covers actions...

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems are integral to managing a product's lifecycle from inception through engineering design and manufacture to service and disposal. However, knowing when to implement a PLM system can be a challenge for growing companies. This article will explore five critical milestones (figure 1) in a company's growth that may indicate the need for a PLM system and four things to look for at each milestone. Figure 1...

Introduction New Product Introduction (NPI) is a critical phase in the lifecycle of any product, especially in the electronics industry where Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and electronic components are integral. While NPI is essential for bringing innovative products to market, it is fraught with risks, particularly in the manufacturing phase. This article explores how manufacturing can create risks in your NPI plans, focusing on parts...

Starting a semiconductor chip industry from scratch is a monumental task that requires a blend of advanced technology, skilled workforce, substantial investment, and supportive policies. Here’s a structured article that delves into the key features of the semiconductor chip industry and the critical conditions needed to establish and sustain it. What it Takes to Start a Chip Industry From Scratch Introduction The semiconductor chip industry is...

Understanding RoHS and REACH The RoHS Directive, introduced by the European Union in 2003 and updated as RoHS 2 in 2011 and RoHS 3 in 2015, restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. These substances include lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and certain flame retardants. The goal of RoHS is to reduce the environmental impact and improve the recyclability of electronic products. REAC...

In electronics production, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are vital for the quality and dependability of electronic parts. One of the key aspects of maintaining high standards is the effective communication of defect data back to engineering teams, particularly those involved in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design and manufacturing. This article delves into the process steps, conditions for success, and key insights into how OEMs can...