Master PCB Design: Build an Arduino Nano with Altium Designer

What you will learn:

Design and create a custom Arduino Nano PCB using Altium Designer
Develop professional-grade schematics for electronic devices
Build and manage efficient component libraries for your designs
Master PCB layout techniques, including component placement and routing
Utilize Altium Designer's autorouting features for increased efficiency
Implement design rule checks to detect and eliminate errors
Generate Gerber files for seamless manufacturing processes
Construct multi-layer PCBs with confidence
Understand and apply PCB design best practices
Design and fabricate a fully functional Arduino Nano

Description

Transform your PCB design skills with our comprehensive course!

Learn to design and manufacture your own Arduino Nano PCB from scratch using Altium Designer, the industry-standard software. This course isn't just theory; it's a practical, project-based journey that takes you step-by-step through the entire process.

Over 4000 students have already mastered Altium Designer and built their own Arduino Nanos! Join them and unlock your potential.

What you'll achieve:

Gain the in-demand skills of a professional PCB designer.
Master Altium Designer from installation to Gerber file generation.
Design, layout, and manufacture a fully functional Arduino Nano PCB.
Create and manage custom component libraries for efficient design workflows.
Learn essential schematic capture and PCB routing techniques, including both manual and autorouting methods.
Develop effective strategies for component placement and error detection.
Navigate Altium Designer's interface and features with confidence.
Prepare your design for manufacturing by generating Gerber files.

This course is perfect for:

Beginners with little to no prior PCB design experience.
Hobbyists and makers looking to build custom electronics.
Students and professionals seeking career advancement in electronics engineering.
Anyone wanting to upskill and become proficient in Altium Designer.

No prior experience required – only a passion for learning and building! Join us and start your journey to becoming a confident PCB designer.

Instructor Highlights:

Taught by the Educational Engineering Team, a group of experienced engineers with over 13 years of combined experience in teaching and practical projects. We've successfully guided over 250,000 students globally!

Curriculum

Introduction & Getting Started

This introductory section sets the stage for your PCB design journey. You'll begin with a course overview and a vital note on the review process. Next, you'll learn how to download and install Altium Designer, followed by an exploration of the software interface and its key features. Finally, you'll answer some important questions to gauge your understanding.

Creating Component Libraries For Atmega

This section is all about building your component library. You'll learn to create component symbols, add pins, complete schematic designs, and create footprints. You'll also master linking footprints to schematic libraries, adding your new library to your designs, and creating the ATmega component symbol and PCB footprint. The section concludes with practical exercises and Q&A sessions to solidify your understanding of component library management.

Schematic Circuit Design

Here, you'll dive into the detailed creation of your Arduino Nano schematic. You'll learn how to add components and libraries, connect the ATMEGA microcontroller, design the USB connector, and incorporate header pins. You'll also learn to add resistors, LEDs, voltage regulators, annotate your schematic, compile your project, and answer questions to test your knowledge.

PCB Design

This section transitions you from schematic to PCB design. You'll learn to set up your PCB layout, address any errors, and start defining the physical form of your board, including drawing its shape.

Placing PCB Items

This section focuses on the strategic placement of components on your PCB. You'll learn to position the ATMEGA, headers, ICSP switch, resistor array, crystal, microUSB, FTDI, regulator, and capacitors. The section will cover best practices and conclude with a Q&A on component placement strategies.

Routing

This section covers the crucial step of connecting components on your PCB. You'll master both manual routing techniques and utilize Altium Designer's autorouting capabilities. You'll have a chance to apply what you've learned through exercises and answer questions.

Improve Routing - Trial and Error

Here, you'll refine your routing skills through a trial-and-error approach. Learn how to make autorouting work efficiently for you and improve the quality of your auto-routed connections. This section will provide hands-on experience and conclude with a Q&A session.

Finishing the Board

This section guides you through the final stages of your PCB design. You'll learn to generate Gerber files for manufacturing and create a bill of materials. You'll also complete final design checks and documentation, finishing with a Q&A session.

Practice Test

Put your knowledge to the test with a comprehensive practice test covering the key concepts and techniques you've learned throughout the course.

Who we are?

Learn about the Educational Engineering Team, our experience, and our commitment to providing high-quality education in the field of electronics engineering.

Course Project

A detailed overview of the course project, helping you consolidate your learning and build confidence.

Bonus Lecture: Coupons, Gifts and More

An extra lecture where we discuss additional resources, offers, and opportunities related to this course and the broader field of electronics engineering.