If, for example, you need to re-annotate your board, or make a design change that is determined as necessary, you can push these changes back through to the schematic. Keep in mind, using these component links works in both directions. Using these links, data such as the reference designator, net information, and connected components can now be passed back and forth between the schematic and the PCB, anytime you generate an ECO.įigure 3: The connection lines (rats nest) are an example of some information passed through the ECO. This same symbol reference provides a footprint from the PCB library that is to be used and placed on the PCB once an ECO is generated and performed.įigure 1: Example of an Unique ID assigned to a schematic component upon placement.įigure 2: Example of an Unique ID assigned to a PCB footprint upon placement on the PCB. Then, for design veriﬁcation purposes, Altium Designer scans the schematics and PCB of a design project, to ﬁnd these linked components.Īs you can see below, the Unique ID is visible within the properties dialog of a schematic component. First, it links the symbol to the associated footprint when it is populated on the high speed PCB design. The purpose of this Unique ID is twofold. In order to establish the connection between the schematic and the PCB, Altium Designer automatically assigns a Unique ID to any symbol placed in your design.

ROLE AND PURPOSE OF COMPONENT LINKSĪs you walk through the process of your design, traditionally you begin by placing your symbols, wiring them up, generating the appropriate nets, etc. With Altium Designer, you can eliminate these time wasters and concentrate on those other issues. These tasks take time and waste money that could be better spent on more important design issues.

You also no longer need to export portions of your design and import them into another tool. This means you no longer have to buy multiple tools and E-CAD software programs in order to complete a design. One of the major advantages of Altium Designer is that it provides you with a single uniﬁed environment that can handle all aspects of your design process.

Altium schematic to pcb