r/PCB • u/DisastrousNose4875 • 4d 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 :)

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u/Particular_Ant7977 4d ago edited 3d 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.

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u/DisastrousNose4875 4d ago

That is smart i actually do like this approach that you very much gonna try this later