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This flow chart isn't color coded as all stages can be completed by anyone; it really just comes down to if you feel ready to participate in these tasks

Read more below:

{to be written}
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Import Changes

Once schematics are complete, the first import will populate the layout file with all the components and connections necessary to design the actual board.

Note

Changes may still be imported again if there are last minute changes to schematics. This will impact how the layout needs to be completed, which is why it is best to be confident in the schematic before starting layout.

Setup Design Rules

Before starting placement and routing, it is best to go through the design rules and ensure they meet the project requirements. By default, the NER template will include a set design rules based on manufacturing requirements. This will not however account for clearances that need to be enforced for other reasons, such as high voltage, water resistance, or anything else.

Complete Component Placement

Using the “rats nest” view, it is possible to see how all the pads on a PCB should be connected, without actually placing copper. Component placement is arranging the components loosely such that pins should be able to connect when we start routing, but without putting in the actual effort of routing every pin. This allows the opportunity to think about overall layout of the board and potential major collisions that need to be discussed.

Preliminary Placement Review & Feedback

It’s recommended before routing to complete a preliminary design review. This will allow for others to provide feedback before you need to go through the efforts of complete routing. In this stage a design review should be hosted and feedback should be recorded and addressed.

Complete Routing

Once confident in component placements, the actual routing can begin. This consists of running traces, polygons, vias, and more to actually establish the connections dictated in schematic.

Complete Silks

Importing Changes

As mentioned in the workflow above, importing changes instructs Altium to determine changes to the schematics and implement them in the layout. Altium has this rigid barrier between the two to allow the designer to preview and confirm the impact to the board before changes are made via an ECO (engineering change order).

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As always, check out the Vault Guidelines for requirements in NER projects and Quick Altium Reference & , Tips, Troubleshooting for quick tips.

Altium is a massive piece of software and even more is covered in the Advanced Layout page.

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