Via Creation in PCB Design with Altium Software
In the world of electronic design, Altium Designer stands out as a powerful tool for creating PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards). One of the key features of Altium Designer is its ability to define and customise various aspects of the design process.
Defining Via Properties
When it comes to defining via properties, Altium Designer offers a range of options. For instance, the Z-plane layer-spanning requirements for every via type can be defined in the via types tab. The size properties of the via are defined by editing a placed via manually, manually placing a via, or placing a via through interactive routing or autorouting.
Via Types
There are three main types of vias in Altium Designer: through-hole, blind, and buried. Through-hole vias connect the top and bottom layers, blind vias connect to the layer immediately next to either top or bottom, and buried vias connect two inner layers. The software automatically identifies the via type based on the layers chosen. To define a new via type, click the add button and select the layers that the via type spans in the properties panel. The newly defined via type will have a naming convention based on the hole type and the first and last layer numbers.
Via Size and Shape
The size and shape of the via can be defined using the "Simple", "Top-Middle-Bottom", or "Full Stack" options. The hole size can be set to be larger than the via for mechanical holes (copper free). In case of a μVia requirement, check the μVia box.
Via Assignment and Pre-placement Settings
Vias are assigned to a signal/net, which may be a power, ground, or signal name. Pre-placement settings are object properties for a via that can be logically defined beforehand, accessible as editable default settings.
Manipulating Vias
To move a single chosen via with the attached routing, use ctrl+click and drag it to the required location. To add a new via type, click the add button and select the layers that the via type spans in the properties panel. To edit the selected via type, use the layer stack manager mode within the properties panel.
Via-related Query Keywords
For the mirror option to be available, enable the stack symmetry option in the board section of the properties panel. To place vias using the design rule, there is a set of via-related query keywords that can be used in the scope of rules.
Understanding Signal Integrity
Altium Designer provides comprehensive guides to help designers understand and tackle signal integrity issues. The High-Speed PCB Design Guide contains explanations of signal integrity issues, understanding transmission lines and controlled impedance, selection process of high-speed PCB materials, and high-speed layout guidelines. Similarly, a Controlled Impedance Design Guide is available, covering topics like understanding why controlled impedance is necessary, stack-up design guidelines, how to design for impedance, common mistakes to avoid, and more.
Customising Component Data
In Altium Designer, defining parameters and properties is typically done through the Component Editor and the Workspace interface. Custom Parameters can be created and applied to components or projects. Key Parameters, such as the Internal Part Number, can be used for integration with external systems like PLM and ERP. Pin Mapping allows you to define how pins in the schematic symbol map to pads in the PCB footprint. Properties can also be viewed and modified within the Properties pane for selected projects or components in the Workspace.
In summary, Altium Designer offers a comprehensive suite of tools for defining and manipulating various aspects of PCB design, from via properties to component data management. Whether you're working on high-speed designs or standard PCBs, Altium Designer provides the flexibility and power you need to create efficient and reliable electronic designs.
[1]: Source: Altium Designer User Manual [5]: Source: Altium Designer Workspace Interface Guide
- In the process of customising via properties within Altium Designer, you can specify the controlled impedance of transmission lines by following the guidelines outlined in the Controlled Impedance Design Guide.
- To ensure the proper functioning of intricate gadgets, incorporating technology such as controlled impedance is crucial for managing signal integrity – a feature comprehensively addressed in Altium Designer's High-Speed PCB Design Guide.
