PCB Lab Manual
(Library management)
Muhammad Alam Khan
50919
Submitted to: Mr. Muhammad Umair Siddiqui
PCB DESIGN USING ALTIUM DESIGNER SUMMER 09
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction to PCB Design
2. Altium Designer Overview
3. Library Management
o Creating Component Libraries
o Managing Schematic Symbols
o Managing PCB Footprints
o Importing and Exporting Libraries
o Best Practices for Library Organization
4. Systematic Schematic Capturing
o Creating a New Project
o Adding and Managing Components
o Connecting Components and Net Labeling
o Design Rule Checking (DRC)
o Using Hierarchical Design
o Generating Bill of Materials (BOM)
5. Generating PCB Layout
o Converting Schematic to PCB
o Arranging Components
o Routing Traces
o Defining Power and Ground Planes
o Verifying Design Integrity
o Performing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Check
6. Generating Manufacturing Files
o Creating Gerber Files
o Generating Drill Files
o Generating Assembly Drawings
o Exporting BOM for Manufacturing
7. Conclusion
1. INTRODUCTION TO PCB DESIGN
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) serve as the foundation for modern electronics. They provide a
structured and reliable way to interconnect electronic components. PCB design involves several
steps, including schematic capture, component placement, routing, and generating files for
manufacturing. This lab manual will guide you through these processes using Altium Designer
Summer 09.
2. ALTIUM DESIGNER OVERVIEW
Altium Designer is an advanced PCB design tool that integrates schematic capture, PCB layout,
and manufacturing preparation within a single platform.
Key Features:
Powerful schematic editor
Multi-layer PCB layout with 3D visualization
Integrated component library management
Design rule verification and error checking
Simulation and signal integrity analysis
3. LIBRARY MANAGEMENT
Effective library management ensures accurate and efficient PCB design.
3.1 Creating Component Libraries
1. Open Altium Designer.
2. Navigate to File > New > Library.
3. Select Schematic Library or PCB Library.
4. Add components, define their electrical properties, and assign footprints.
5. Save the library for future use.
3.2 Managing Schematic Symbols
1. Open the Schematic Library Editor.
2. Design symbols with accurate pin configurations.
3. Assign electrical properties such as input, output, or bidirectional.
4. Link symbols to corresponding PCB footprints.
3.3 Managing PCB Footprints
1. Open the PCB Library Editor.
2. Define pad sizes, hole dimensions, and component outlines.
3. Ensure accurate alignment with schematic symbols.
4. Save and integrate with project libraries.
3.4 Importing and Exporting Libraries
Import: Use existing component libraries from other projects.
Export: Share libraries with other designers for consistency.
3.5 Best Practices for Library Organization
Keep libraries well-structured with meaningful names.
Store libraries in a central repository for easy access.
Regularly update libraries to include new components.
4. SYSTEMATIC SCHEMATIC CAPTURING
A clear and organized schematic is crucial for accurate PCB layout.
4.1 Creating a New Project
1. Open Altium Designer.
2. Navigate to File > New > Project.
3. Select PCB Project and assign a meaningful name.
4. Save the project in a structured directory.
4.2 Adding and Managing Components
1. Open the Schematic Editor.
2. Use Place > Component to add components.
3. Arrange and align components neatly.
4.3 Connecting Components and Net Labeling
1. Use the Wire Tool to connect components.
2. Assign Net Labels to identify signals.
3. Organize related components into blocks.
4.4 Design Rule Checking (DRC)
1. Open Tools > Design Rule Check.
2. Configure spacing, clearance, and width constraints.
3. Run DRC and resolve any violations.
4.5 Using Hierarchical Design
1. Break large schematics into smaller, manageable sections.
2. Use Hierarchical Blocks to maintain clarity.
3. Establish clear connections between blocks.
4.6 Generating Bill of Materials (BOM)
1. Go to Reports > Bill of Materials.
2. Select the required fields such as part number and quantity.
3. Export BOM for procurement.
5. GENERATING PCB LAYOUT
A well-planned PCB layout ensures optimal performance and manufacturability.
5.1 Converting Schematic to PCB
1. Create a new PCB Document.
2. Import the netlist from the schematic.
5.2 Arranging Components
1. Place components according to logical flow and signal integrity.
2. Maintain sufficient clearance between components.
5.3 Routing Traces
1. Use Auto-router for quick routing.
2. Manually adjust critical signal paths.
3. Maintain proper trace width and spacing.
5.4 Defining Power and Ground Planes
1. Create Power and Ground Planes to reduce noise.
2. Assign layers for different voltage levels.
5.5 Verifying Design Integrity
1. Run Design Rule Check (DRC).
2. Use Signal Integrity Analysis for high-speed designs.
5.6 Performing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Check
1. Verify component spacing and drill hole sizes.
2. Ensure all pads and traces meet manufacturing standards.
6. GENERATING MANUFACTURING FILES
Once the PCB layout is finalized, generate the necessary files for manufacturing.
6.1 Creating Gerber Files
1. Go to File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerber Files.
2. Configure layer settings and export the files.
6.2 Generating Drill Files
1. Select NC Drill File to define hole locations.
2. Verify drill sizes before exporting.
6.3 Generating Assembly Drawings
1. Create Silkscreen Layer with component designators.
2. Export assembly drawings for manufacturing reference.
6.4 Exporting BOM for Manufacturing
1. Ensure all components have correct part numbers.
2. Export BOM in CSV or Excel format.
7. CONCLUSION
This lab manual provides a detailed guide for designing PCBs using Altium Designer Summer
09. By following these steps, you can create high-quality PCB designs ready for manufacturing.
The end
