Altium self-learning program

Architecture and Key Components of Altium Designer 2025

Altium Designer is built on the X2 integration platform, which provides a unified environment for development:

Unified Design Environment

ECAD-MCAD Integration - for collaboration with mechanical designers

Key Modules: Schematic Editor, PCB Editor, Library Editor, Project Manager, Simulator, 3D Visualization, Output Generation, Multi-Board Design - for multi-board projects, Harness Design - for cable harness design, Constraint Manager - for rules and constraints management, MCAD CoDesigner - for integration with mechanical CAD, Draftsman - for technical documentation creation, ActiveBOM - for bill of materials management, PDN Analyzer - for power distribution network analysis, Altium 365 - for cloud collaboration and storage

Learning Methodology

This plan incorporates a flexible approach to learning that includes:

Systematic progression from simple to complex

Practical projects of varying complexity to reinforce skills

Buffer weeks for review and reinforcement of complex topics

Checkpoints for progress assessment

Parallel study of theory and practice

End-to-end implementation of DFM/DFA principles from early design stages

Diagnostics and error correction at each learning stage

Documentation of the learning process to create a portfolio

Integration of reverse engineering to understand professional solutions

Creation of checklists for different design stages

Important: Do not try to strictly adhere to timeframes. Some topics may require more time to master. Focus on deep understanding of each topic rather than speed of completing the plan.

Stage 0: Preparation for Beginners (optional, 1-2 weeks)

Week 0: Basic Electronics and PCB Design Knowledge

Electronics fundamentals (Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, basic components) PCB terminology (netlist, footprint, DRC, Gerber) Introduction to the PCB manufacturing process Improvement of technical English (key terms and their meanings) Introduction to component datasheets and their analysis Practice: Reading simple schematics, component identification, simple datasheet analysis (3-4 hours) Resources: The Art of Electronics, Sparkfun - Electronics Tutorials, IPC Standards Overview

Stage 1: Fundamentals and Getting Started (5 weeks)

Week 1: Familiarization with Altium Interface and Ecosystem

Installing and configuring Altium Designer 2025 System requirements and performance optimization Familiarization with the user interface and menu system Setting up workspaces and panels Learning hotkeys and customizing the Quick Access Toolbar Creating an Altium Live/Altium 365 account Basic principles of version control and local version saving Overview of the design process in Altium from start to finish Basic principles of working with oscilloscopes and multimeters Practice: Setting up your environment, creating your first project (2-3 hours) Resources: Official Altium Documentation, Altium YouTube Channel

Week 2: Working with Electrical Schematics

Fundamentals of the schematic editor and creating schematic documents Creating and using project templates and document templates Working with existing component libraries (Content Vault) Placing components and connecting them (Wire, Bus, Net Labels) Basic schematic terminology and reading component datasheets Analyzing a simple component datasheet (resistor, capacitor, LDO) Using Electrical Rule Check (ERC) and error verification Hierarchical and multi-channel schematics (multi-channel design) Diagnosis and correction of typical errors (incorrect connections, missing pins) Practice translating technical terms from Altium documentation Practice: Creating a simple schematic (e.g., LM317 power supply or LED driver) (3-4 hours) Resources: Robert Feranec YouTube, The Art of Electronics (for electronics fundamentals)

Week 3: Creating and Managing Libraries

Library architecture in Altium Designer and library types Comparison of approaches: local libraries, integrated libraries, cloud libraries Creating schematic symbols Creating PCB footprints according to IPC standards Importing libraries from open sources (SnapEDA, Ultra Librarian) Comparing library quality from different sources Creating and importing 3D component models Managing component parameters (Part Type, Supplier, Lifecycle) Integration with suppliers through Manufacturer Part Search Using libraries from GitHub and other repositories Practice: Creating several custom components of different types and comparing library quality from SnapEDA and Ultra Librarian (4-5 hours) Resources: IPC-7351 standard, SnapEDA, Ultra Librarian

Week 4: PCB Design Fundamentals

Transferring a project from schematic to PCB editor (Update PCB) Engineering Change Order (ECO) mechanism for synchronization Setting up the board layer structure (Layer Stack Manager) Selecting materials for layers and their properties Defining board shape and mechanical constraints Component placement fundamentals and placement strategies Routing your first traces and via fundamentals Basic design rules (Clearance, Width, Routing Via Style) Basic Design Rule Check (DRC) and explanation of typical errors Design for Manufacturing (DFM) fundamentals - manufacturing considerations Typical DFM errors and how to avoid them in early stages Practice: Creating your first simple board based on the schematic from week 2 (4-5 hours) Resources: Phil's Lab YouTube, PCB Design Forums, IPC-2221 standard

Week 5: Control Project and Review

Review of covered material Identification and elimination of knowledge gaps Self-assessment of progress through control questions Documenting the project creation process for portfolio Preparing a brief project presentation (5 minutes, PDF or video) Control Project: Creating a complete project for a simple device LED flasher with 555 timer Project should include: schematic, libraries, PCB and basic DRC rules Brief report on the design process and decisions made Stage outcome: Fully functional simple project with correctly configured basic parameters (6-8 hours) Knowledge check: Mini-test on Altium Designer fundamentals Checklist: Creating a basic checklist for schematic and PCB verification

Stage 2: Advanced PCB Design (5 weeks)

Week 6: Constraint Manager and Design Rules

Detailed study of Constraint Manager and its interface Query Language for defining rule application areas Creating and organizing rule sets Object classes (Net Classes, Component Classes, Region Classes) Setting up rule scopes and priorities Importing/exporting rules and migration from other projects Analysis and correction of errors in design rules Using Query Language to create complex rules Practice: Setting up a complete rule set for a medium complexity project and creating a complex rule using Query Language (3-4 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Constraint Manager

Week 7: Advanced Routing and Optimization

Interactive routing modes (Push, Hug, Walk Around) Differential pair routing and alignment modes Length tuning (Accordion, Trombone) Working with polygons and fill areas (Polygon Pour, Shelving) Via placement (Via Stitching, Via Templates) Managing fonts and text on the board Working with autorouting, its capabilities and limitations Routing optimization methods for high-speed signals Comparison of manual and automatic routing for one board section DFM considerations: track width, clearances, corner transitions Practice: Routing a medium complexity board with differential pairs (USB-UART bridge with ESD protection) (5-6 hours) Resources: Robert Feranec: High-Speed Routing Fundamentals

Week 8: 3D Design and MCAD Integration

3D visualization and model management in 3D mode Setting up 3D-Body for components Collision and clearance checking in 3D Exporting 3D board models in STEP format for transfer to MCAD systems Using MCAD CoDesigner for integration with mechanical CAD Synchronizing changes with MCAD systems (SolidWorks, Inventor, PTC Creo) Transferring mechanical constraints from mechanical engineers Communication with mechanical engineers (fundamentals of effective collaboration) Typical requests from mechanical engineers and their processing Diagnosis and correction of errors in 3D models Design for Assembly (DFA) considerations in 3D design Practice: Embedding a board in an enclosure using MCAD CoDesigner and exporting STEP model (4-5 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: MCAD CoDesigner

Week 9: Complex Board Types and Technologies

Designing multilayer boards (more than 6 layers) Rigid-Flex boards: setup and construction Defining bend areas and bends (Bending Line, Radius) Materials for flexible boards (polyimide) and their impact on design Comparison of materials for rigid-flex boards (polyimide vs FR4) Special hole types (Back Drilling, Via-in-Pad, Microvia) Working with embedded components DFM/DFA specifics for rigid-flex boards Manufacturing specifics for complex boards (HDI, Rigid-Flex) Impact of material selection on manufacturing costs RF design fundamentals (RF signal routing, impedance, ground shaping) Practice: Designing a simple rigid-flex board and comparing different materials (5-6 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Rigid-Flex Design, RF Design Fundamentals

Week 10: Control Project and Reverse Engineering

Review and deepening of acquired knowledge Analysis of completed projects from open sources (reverse engineering) Importing Gerber files and recreating schematics and PCB Analysis of several projects from open sources (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) Analysis of decisions made and their justification Documenting the process and creating a report for portfolio Control Project: Developing a medium complexity project that includes: Multilayer board (4-6 layers) Differential pairs Complex design rules 3D modeling and collision checking Recommended project: ESP32-based board with Wi-Fi module, USB interface, and peripherals Stage outcome: Functional medium complexity project with properly configured rules and optimized routing (8-10 hours) Knowledge check: Mini-test on advanced PCB design Checklist: Creating a checklist for medium complexity project verification

Stage 3: Signal Integrity and High-Speed Design Theory (6 weeks)

Week 11: Theoretical Foundations of Signal Integrity

Theory of high-speed signal transmission Concepts of impedance, reflections, crosstalk Critical parameters for high-speed lines Types of high-speed interfaces (DDR, PCIe, USB, Ethernet) Overview of typical high-speed components (FPGA, DDR memory) Analysis of requirements for high-speed components from datasheets Impact of board structure on signal integrity Typical signal integrity problems and solutions Thermal design fundamentals Practice: Analysis of high-speed design examples and studying requirements from datasheets (e.g., FPGA or DDR) (3-4 hours) Resources: High-Speed Digital Design: A Handbook of Black Magic by Howard Johnson, PCB Design Techniques for DDR, DDR2 & DDR3

Week 12: Practical Application in Altium Designer

Track impedance and its control (Impedance Profiles) Using Impedance Calculator in Altium Designer Setting up rules for high-speed signals Working with IBIS models and importing them Importing IBIS model for a real component (USB controller) Setting up the simulator in Altium Designer (Mixed Sim) Importing and using SPICE component models Diagnosing simulation problems and solving them Practice: Setting up impedance control for differential pairs and simulating a simple high-speed circuit with IBIS model import (5-6 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Signal Integrity, SIMetrix/SIMPLIS

Week 13: Power Distribution Network (PDN) Analysis

Power Distribution Network (PDN) analysis fundamentals PDN Analyzer - setup and usage Designing power and ground planes Selecting and placing decoupling capacitors Manual calculation of decoupling capacitor placement Comparing PDN Analyzer results with manual calculations Heat dissipation calculation and thermal analysis PDN optimization based on analysis results Diagnosis and resolution of PDN problems Practice: Power supply project with LDO + buck converter, PDN simulation and comparison with manual calculations (5-6 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: PDN Analyzer, Polar Instruments

Week 14: Signal Problem Analysis and Resolution

Diagnosis of typical signal problems Analysis of simulation results and graph interpretation Methods for eliminating reflections and crosstalk Board topology optimization to improve signal integrity High-speed component placement strategies Routing practices for critical signals (DDR, PCIe, USB) Analysis of real projects from open sources (e.g., Raspberry Pi boards) Analysis of several real projects from open sources (boards with PCIe or DDR) Thermal analysis and heat dissipation optimization Practice: Diagnosing and fixing problems in a completed project with high-speed signals (4-5 hours) Resources: EEVblog: Signal Integrity Fundamentals, Keysight Signal Integrity Analysis

Week 15: Integration with Other Analysis Tools

Exporting data for analysis in specialized programs Interaction with MATLAB, ANSYS, Keysight ADS Overview of free alternatives for analysis (KiCad with plugins, Python scripts) Data exchange formats between analysis tools Interpreting external analysis results Importing results back into Altium Designer Documenting simulation results and creating a report Overview of using hardware tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers) Practice: Exporting a design for analysis in external tools (if available) or analyzing thermal distribution and creating a report with simulation results (3-4 hours) Resources: HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, Python for Electronics Analysis

Week 16: High-Speed Design Control Project

Developing a project with high-speed interfaces Implementing impedance control, length matching Simulation and signal integrity analysis PDN and thermal regime optimization Documenting the design process and decisions made Preparing a simulation report (graphs, conclusions) for portfolio Control Project: Board with DDR4 memory or high-speed interfaces (HDMI, DisplayPort, PCIe) Stage outcome: High-speed board project with complete simulation and analysis (10-12 hours) Knowledge check: Mini-test on signal integrity and high-speed design Checklist: Creating a checklist for high-speed design verification

Stage 4: System Design and Integration (6 weeks)

Week 17: Multi-Board Design

Multi-board project concept Creating a logical system for a multi-board project Connections between boards and connectors Physical placement of boards in 3D space 3D visualization of the entire system Connection verification and board version management Verification of inter-board connections through simulation Analysis of signal loss in connectors through simulation (SPICE) Diagnosis and correction of problems in multi-board projects Practice: Creating a project with two interacting boards and analyzing inter-board connections (6-8 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Multi-Board Design

Week 18: Harness Design

Harness Design fundamentals and its connection to PCB Creating harness schematics and connectors Wire types and their parameters Defining cable lengths and routing Documenting harnesses and specifications Integration with Multi-Board design Creating a 3D model of a harness for visualization Exporting a 3D harness model in STEP format Diagnosis and correction of errors in Harness Design Harness creation procedure (step-by-step documentation) Practice: Creating a harness for a multi-board project and documenting the creation process (5-6 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Harness Design

Week 19: Preparation for Manufacturing and DFM/DFA/DFC

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles Design for Assembly (DFA) and Design for Cost (DFC) Overview of IPC standards (IPC-2221, IPC-A-600, IPC-7351) Safety standards (UL, CE, RoHS) and their impact on design Minimum clearances for high-voltage boards Generating Gerber and NC Drill files ODB++ and other manufacturing data formats Output Job Files (*.OutJob) for automating documentation generation Overview of typical errors in manufacturing files Panelization for batch production Creating checklists for DFM/DFA verification Typical DFM/DFA errors and how to avoid them Practice: Creating a complete set of manufacturing documents for a project and a template checklist for DFM/DFA (5-6 hours) Resources: IPC Standards, Altium TechDocs: Output Generation

Week 20: Documentation and Testing

Creating documentation using Draftsman Compiling Bill of Materials (BOM) Managing specifications through ActiveBOM Pick and place files and files for testing Board testing methods (In-Circuit Testing, Flying Probe) Adding test points to a project Preparing a test plan for a board Design testing and verification strategies Using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers for board testing Overview of typical testing circuits Practice: Creating a complete documentation package and preparing a test plan (4-5 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Draftsman, EEVblog: Board Testing

Week 21: Automation and Scripting

Scripting fundamentals (Delphi, C#, JavaScript) Altium Designer API structure Creating scripts to automate routine tasks Scripts for automatic component numbering Scripts for exporting BOM to Excel Scripts for automatic DRC checks Working with project data through scripts Integration with external tools Examples of complex scripts and their analysis Practice: Writing a simple script for automation (e.g., automatic update of component parameters) (6-8 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Scripting in Altium Designer, Script examples on GitHub

Week 22: Teamwork and Project Management

Altium 365 for collaboration and project management Project version management (Versioning) Working with revisions and releases Modeling version conflict and its resolution Simulating a real team collaboration scenario Integration with version control systems (Git, SVN) Communication with engineers of different specialties Time and resource management in projects Project presentation and effective communication Practice: Setting up a workflow with Altium 365 and simulating teamwork (one changes the schematic, another changes the PCB) (4-5 hours) Stage outcome: Multi-board project with harnesses and complete documentation Knowledge check: Mini-test on system design and integration Resources: Altium 365 Documentation

Stage 5: Templates, Optimization, and Professional Preparation (6 weeks)

Week 23: Setting Up Templates and Workflow Optimization

Creating and using Design Templates Setting up document templates (SchDoc, PcbDoc) Configuring Output Job Files to automate documentation output Setting up Draftsman Templates for drawing standardization Project Variants and their usage Creating global settings for all projects Workflow optimization through interface customization Practice: Creating a complete set of templates for future projects (4-5 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Templates, Altium TechDocs: Project Variants

Week 24: Supply Chain Integration and ERP/PLM

ActiveBOM and supply management Project Variants Using Manufacturer Part Search at a professional level Real-time project cost evaluation Alternative suppliers and component substitution Supply risk analysis through ActiveBOM Integration with PLM/ERP systems Board manufacturing cost analysis through ActiveBOM Comparing different suppliers Risk analysis through obsolete components (End of Life) Finding alternatives for EOL components Practice: Managing BOM with alternative components, supply risk analysis, and finding replacements for obsolete components (3-4 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: ActiveBOM

Week 25: Component Templates and Data Management

Creating Component Templates Component lifecycle management Integration with PLM/ERP systems Working with component revisions Managing alternative components Creating a template for repetitive components (capacitors, resistors) Library analysis and optimization Component data management strategies Practice: Creating your own component library with templates for different component types (4-5 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Component Templates

Week 26: Export/Import and Project Migration

Import/export from other CAD systems (OrCAD, KiCad, Eagle, Mentor) Format compatibility issues (Netlist, STEP, DXF) Using Altium Import Wizard Large project migration strategies from other CAD systems Analysis of compatibility issues when importing a project from KiCad or Eagle Specifics of importing/exporting different data Configuration and optimization of imported data Practice: Importing a project from another CAD system (if possible) or exporting to other formats and analyzing compatibility issues (3-4 hours) Resources: Altium TechDocs: Import Wizard

Week 27: Error Analysis and Correction

Common errors in routing and output file generation Using Messages Panel and PCB Rules Violations Diagnostics of nets, polygons, 3D collisions Creating checklists before release to manufacturing Analysis and correction of errors in completed projects (reverse engineering) DRC and DFM checklist for use in future projects Typical errors in manufacturing preparation BOM error analysis and correction Practice: Analysis and correction of errors in a specially prepared project with errors and creating a universal checklist for DRC, DFM, and DFA (4-5 hours) Resources: PCB Design Forums, EEVblog forum

Week 28: Certification Preparation and Professional Portfolio

Overview of the Altium Certified PCB Designer certification program Exam preparation: key topics and materials Practical tests and exercises for preparation Typical questions and tasks on the exam Typical interview questions for PCB designers Creating a professional portfolio Demonstrating projects and explaining decisions made Preparing a resume with emphasis on Altium Designer skills Creating a LinkedIn profile with project demonstrations Practice: Taking a practice certification test, preparing a project presentation, and formatting a portfolio (3-4 hours) Resources: Altium Training and Certification

Stage 6: Comprehensive Project and Final Preparation (2-4 weeks)

Weeks 29-30: Comprehensive Final Project

Completing a comprehensive project that includes all aspects studied: High-speed interfaces (DDR, PCIe, HDMI) Multi-board system with harnesses Complete documentation package Manufacturing file preparation DFM/DFA analysis Signal simulation and analysis Project variants Cost estimation and component management Publishing the project on GitHub or Behance for portfolio Preparing a project presentation to demonstrate skills Recommended project: Board with FPGA, DDR4 memory, high-speed interfaces in a multi-board system with harnesses, or a medical device with reliability requirements, or an IoT device with energy efficiency Stage outcome: Fully functional complex project with all necessary files and documentation for manufacturing (12-15 hours) Knowledge check: Final test on all aspects of Altium Designer 2025

Weeks 31-32: Professional Preparation and Specialization (optional)

Choosing a specialization (RF design, high-speed boards, IoT, medicine, automotive electronics) In-depth study of the chosen specialization Studying specific requirements and standards of the chosen industry Creating a project in the chosen specialization Preparation for interviews in the chosen field Practice: Developing a specialized project and preparing for interviews (8-10 hours) Tips for Effective Learning Flexibility and adaptability: Don't try to strictly follow the timeframes. Some topics may require more time, others less, depending on your experience and task complexity. Keeping a learning journal: Document your progress, problems encountered, their solutions, and new ideas. This will help in certification preparation and portfolio creation. Systematic practice: Dedicate at least 30-60 minutes daily to practical tasks. Regularity is more important than duration. Documentation and hotkeys: Use F1 for contextual help. Learn the basic hotkeys to speed up your work. From simple to complex: Start with simple projects, gradually increasing their complexity. Reverse engineering: Study completed open-source projects to understand professional approaches. Forums and communities: Actively participate in Altium forums and other specialized communities. Progress control: Regularly assess your progress through control tasks and tests. Parallel study of theory and practice: Combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. Design for manufacturability from the start: Consider DFM/DFA principles from your very first projects, forming the right approach to design. Portfolio development: From the very beginning, document your projects with quality screenshots, descriptions, and decisions made. Technical English: Gradually improve your technical English skills, which is critically important for working with documentation. Practical Projects for Skill Reinforcement Basic Level 555 timer LED flasher Simple power supply with LM317 Arduino/STM32 shield Controlled RGB LED with microcontroller Intermediate Level ESP32/ESP8266 board with Wi-Fi Multi-layer audio amplifier Microcontroller board with external memory USB-UART bridge with ESD protection Advanced Level High-speed board with FPGA Rigid-flex board for wearable electronics Multi-board project with different connection types Board with controlled impedance and HDI technologies Security/IoT project with authentication and data protection RF project with antenna and impedance matching Professional Level Multi-board system with harnesses and MCAD integration High-speed design with DDR4/5 and PCIe interfaces Project with analysis and correction of errors in a completed board Project with Altium Designer integration with MATLAB/Simulink Medical device with reliability requirements Automotive electronic module compliant with standards Learning Schedule and Checkpoints To effectively monitor your progress, it is recommended to use the following schedule: StageWeeksCheckpointExpected Result00Preparation for beginnersUnderstanding basic electronics and PCB concepts11-5First simple projectFully functional LED flasher26-10Medium complexity projectESP32 board with peripherals311-16High-speed projectBoard with DDR or PCIe417-22Multi-board projectSystem of several boards with harnesses523-28Professional portfolioSet of documented projects629-32Comprehensive projectProfessional specialized project After completing each stage, it is recommended to conduct a self-assessment of knowledge using control questions and tests that can be found on forums and in Altium training materials. Progress Evaluation Criteria Specific success criteria are defined for each checkpoint: Stage 0 (Preparation for Beginners) Understanding of basic electronic components Ability to read simple schematics Knowledge of key PCB design terms Basic understanding of the PCB manufacturing process Stage 1 (LED Flasher) Schematic without ERC errors Board passes DRC without violations Correct component footprints Basic manufacturing files (Gerber, Drill) Brief report on the design process Stage 2 (ESP32 Board) Multilayer board with correct layer stack Optimized routing using rules Accurate 3D view with components Complete set of manufacturing files Project analysis for DFM compliance Stage 3 (High-Speed Board) Impedance control for critical signals Length matching Simulation results within acceptable limits Optimized PDN design Documented simulation report Stage 4 (Multi-Board System) Correct inter-board connections 3D integration into enclosure Properly designed harnesses Complete documentation package Inter-board connection analysis Stage 5 (Professional Portfolio) Set of templates for projects Set of checklists for different stages Formatted project portfolio Certification preparation Component and BOM management Stage 6 (Comprehensive Project) Integration of all studied techniques Complete process documentation Error-free manufacturing files Project presentation in portfolio Specialized industry project Accelerated Learning Options If you have limited time or already have experience with other CAD systems, you can use a shortened learning plan: Fundamentals (2 weeks) - Weeks 1, 2, 4 Rules and routing (2 weeks) - Weeks 6, 7 High-speed design (2 weeks) - Weeks 11, 12 System design (2 weeks) - Weeks 17, 19 Professional skills (2 weeks) - Weeks 23, 27 Comprehensive project (2 weeks) - Weeks 29-30 This option will allow you to acquire the necessary knowledge for professional work in 12 weeks, but will require more independent practice between stages. Modular Format for Specialization For those who want to focus on a specific specialization, the following modules are offered: High-Speed Design Module Weeks 11-16 (Stage 3) Additionally: Week 7 (routing) Additionally: Week 27 (error diagnostics) RF Design Module Week 9 (RF design fundamentals) Week 12 (impedance control) Week 13 (PDN analysis) Additionally: specialization in Weeks 31-32 Multi-Board Design Module Week 17 (Multi-Board) Week 18 (Harness Design) Week 22 (teamwork) Additionally: Week 8 (3D and MCAD) Industrial Preparation Module Week 19 (DFM/DFA/DFC) Week 20 (documentation and testing) Week 24 (supply chain) Week 27 (error analysis) Learning Resources Official Resources Altium Designer Documentation Altium Academy Webinars and online courses Altium YouTube channel Communities Altium Forum Reddit r/AltiumDesigner LinkedIn groups on PCB design EEVblog forum Books and Materials "High-Speed Digital Design: A Handbook of Black Magic" by Howard Johnson "PCB Design Techniques for DDR, DDR2 & DDR3" by Barry Olney "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz & Hill (for basic electronics knowledge) "Complete PCB Design Using OrCAD Capture and PCB Editor" by Kraig Mitzner (contains general PCB design principles) "EMC for Product Designers" by Tim Williams Video Materials Robert Feranec YouTube channel Phil's Lab YouTube channel Udemy courses on Altium Designer EEVblog YouTube channel Interactive Courses Altium Designer Essentials course LinkedIn Learning: PCB Design with Altium Designer Interactive tutorials on my.altium.com Technical English Dictionary PCB Design Terminology Glossary English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Coursera) Checklist for Altium Certified PCB Designer Certification Interface and navigation Schematic design Creating and managing libraries PCB editor and design rules High-speed design and signal integrity Preparation for manufacturing Project and version management ActiveBOM and component management Draftsman and documentation Multi-Board and Harness Design Altium 365 and cloud integration Scripting and automation DFM/DFA and IPC standards This comprehensive learning plan provides a systematic approach to learning Altium Designer 2025. It covers all aspects of professional use of the software - from basic skills to complex projects and integration with other systems. The key to success is regular practice, gradual increase in project complexity, and using various learning resources. Don't be afraid to experiment, ask questions on forums, and study other engineers' projects. After completing this plan, you will have not only skills in working with Altium Designer but also an understanding of the complete cycle of electronic device development from concept to manufacturing, which is necessary for a successful career in electronic engineering.

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