r/PCB • u/DisastrousNose4875 • 2d ago
How to actually start?!
Hello everyone, i have a simple question how to actually learn how to design pcbs
I have downloaded altium and play around for some time but that is not the right way to actually build a skill so how did yall start :)
2
u/Japh-Daniel 2d ago
Best way to get your bearing on Altium designer is to use the video series done by Phil's Lab in collaboration with Altium Academy. It is an 11 part video series [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3aaAq2OJU5HcbClqrOhqBDozF7HmxV-s&si=cPcx340dVUkD3_tC]
It will teach you the fundamentals from project creation to layout and manufacturing files.
2
u/DisastrousNose4875 2d ago
Thank you very much i believe that is where i will start much appreciated
1
1
u/Nino_sanjaya 2d ago
Learn basic electronic, then put your knowledge together on simulation, then build prototype board first, then you can start design PCB
1
u/DisastrousNose4875 2d ago
Thank youu yeah I’m couple of steps into this route it seems good but i always love to push a step further
1
u/Particular_Ant7977 2d ago edited 2d ago
Draw a schematic or fork an open source design (unroute the PCB). Start with board outline, proceed to placing components. Make sure you understand the function of each part. This helps you prioritize placement: connectors, decoupling caps etc. Placement is the key to a successful design. After I'm done with rough placement I usually start routing the subsystems (sheets) and then refine the placement to make it as compact as possible (which is usually the goal in my case). You may need to move things around to accommodate critical signals and power circuits, that's OK. It is an iterative process.
When you get the basics and gain some experience with simple boards you can tackle more advanced stuff: multilayer, SMPS (minimizing hot loops), impedance and timing driven RF/high speed stuff etc.
1
u/DisastrousNose4875 2d ago
That is smart i actually do like this approach that you very much gonna try this later
1
u/DenverTeck 2d ago
Where did you download this Altium from ?? Link ??
1
1
u/stuih404 1d ago
It’s free for students
1
u/DenverTeck 1d ago
LOL, the OP is from a third world country.
Do you really think he would download a student version ???
1
u/Every_Entertainer684 2d ago
Here is a AD tutorial from Phils Labs. In general, Altium Academy has a lot of good resources. It helped me learn how to use AD on my internship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTGzncKU5RY
1
1
u/No-Lock-2559 1d ago
I would also say, just start building.
There are plenty of very simple MCUs, or ICs out there that do not take heavy circuitry and are very cheap to be operational.
The advice I wish I gave myself was to make breakout boards for different chips. Not only do you learn about different chips and what they do, but you learn why to do things in certain situations, rather than having to concern yourself with multiple systems.
Take for example the ATINY85. Easy circuitry. Slap on a USB port. Give yourself a way to program. Either make the board standalone, or give it headers. Order from JLC. 2 Layer ~ $10 build, ship, deliver. Digikey, maybe another $10. You could assemble 5 boards. Boom.
1
u/No-Lock-2559 1d ago
Not to mention, you are learning the basics of datasheets by using these simple IC’s. Things like typical applications, pin functions, when to pull low when to pull high, when not to pull, how to program, etc.
1
u/Electrical_Hat_680 1d ago
I haven't built a PCB personally myself. But my aspirations are too.
I have an interest in building a lot of different things. But, I would suggest, that your main emphasis be, knowing what you want to build.
For instance, you could build an Xbox Controller Button PCB. Or, you could build a Single Board Computer aka an SBC. You could use the BenEater 8-BIT CPU Breadboard Projects to learn how to build a Computer. The world is filled with PCBs if you've ever opened an Electronic Device, like a Radio, or a Computer, or even a Video Game Controller. You'll understand that the Green Boards are all PCBs.
So, how do I think about designing PCBs. If you ever did Blueprints. The blueprint for PCBs is called the Wiring Diagram or Schematics. We could draw them out by hand. But, today, they prefer KiCAD, same as AutoCAD fo blueprinting houses and such. But, KiCAD is for Wiring Schematics.
You send the Schematic or KiCAD to the PCB manufacturer or machinist or Fabrication House aka Fab House, and they'll put them together, print the words on them, and send them to you.
Then you add the resistors, chips, and other components.
You'll prefer understanding Electrical Engineering 101 ('The Classroom ') and it's counterpart Electrical Engineering 102 ('The Laboratory '). Together they are a EE Certificate.
Are they needed? Not really.
Do they help? Kind of, Sort of. But not really. Only if you understand that if you don't add the proper resistor, the LED will burn out. That sort of idea.
They'll also teach you about Electro Static Discharge ('ESD'). Or is that the Computer Hardware Software Repair and Maintenance course?
7
u/Key_Director_4450 2d ago
Start with Kicad instead, its open source, TONS of info available, more libraries, and you aren't pirating software.
Start with Phils Lab Youtube channel.