Public Release Notes for Altium Designer

 

Introduction

Altium Designer is a powerful and comprehensive electronic design automation (EDA) software suite used by engineers and designers worldwide for printed circuit board (PCB) design and manufacturing. With each new release, Altium aims to enhance the user experience, improve performance, and introduce new features to streamline the design process.

This article will provide a detailed overview of the latest public release notes for Altium Designer, highlighting the key enhancements, bug fixes, and new functionalities. Whether you're a seasoned Altium user or new to the platform, this information will help you stay up-to-date and make the most of the software's capabilities.

Improved User Interface and Usability

One of the primary focuses of this release is enhancing the user interface and overall usability of Altium Designer. The development team has listened to feedback from the user community and implemented several improvements to streamline the design workflow and increase productivity.

1. Customizable User Interface

Altium Designer now offers a more customizable user interface, allowing users to tailor the workspace to their specific needs and preferences. This includes the ability to:

• Rearrange and resize panels and docking windows
• Create and save custom workspace layouts
• Customize keyboard shortcuts and menus

By personalizing the user interface, designers can optimize their workflow and access frequently used tools and commands more efficiently.

2. Enhanced Collaboration and Teamwork

Collaboration is a crucial aspect of PCB design, and Altium Designer now offers improved features to facilitate teamwork and communication. These include:

• Real-time design sharing and remote collaboration
• Integrated version control system for better design data management
• Enhanced commenting and markup tools for design review

These features enable seamless collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical location, ensuring efficient communication and streamlined design processes.

New Design Tools and Features

In addition to user interface improvements, this release introduces several new design tools and features to enhance the overall PCB design experience.

1. Advanced Signal Integrity Analysis

Signal integrity is a critical aspect of high-speed and high-frequency circuit design. Altium Designer now includes advanced signal integrity analysis tools, such as:

• Pre-layout signal integrity analysis
• Post-layout signal integrity verification
• Automated impedance control and trace tuning

These tools help designers identify and mitigate signal integrity issues early in the design process, reducing the need for costly re-spins and ensuring reliable performance of the final product.

2. Improved 3D Design Capabilities

The 3D design capabilities of Altium Designer have been significantly improved, offering enhanced visualization and more accurate representation of the final PCB assembly. Key improvements include:

• Realistic component body and lead rendering
• Advanced mechanical clearance checking
• Integrated STEP model import and manipulation

These features enable designers to better visualize the physical aspects of their designs, identify potential mechanical issues, and collaborate more effectively with mechanical engineers and industrial designers.

3. Expanded Component Library

Altium Designer's component library has been expanded to include a wider range of components from leading manufacturers. This extensive library, combined with the software's intelligent component search and filtering capabilities, streamlines the component selection process and ensures designers have access to the latest and most relevant components for their designs.

Performance Optimizations and Bug Fixes

In addition to new features and enhancements, this release includes several performance optimizations and bug fixes to improve overall stability and responsiveness.

1. Improved Memory Management

Altium Designer now features improved memory management algorithms, resulting in more efficient use of system resources. This optimization leads to smoother operation, particularly when working with large and complex designs.

2. Enhanced Design Rule Checking (DRC)

The Design Rule Checking (DRC) engine has been optimized for faster performance and improved accuracy. This ensures that design rule violations are identified more efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and decreasing overall design cycle time.

3. Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements

As with any software release, this version of Altium Designer includes numerous bug fixes and stability improvements based on feedback from the user community. These fixes address various issues, ranging from minor user interface glitches to more critical functional bugs, ensuring a more reliable and stable design experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Will my existing designs be compatible with the new version of Altium Designer? A: Yes, Altium Designer is designed to ensure backward compatibility with previous versions. Your existing designs should open and function correctly in the new version. However, it is always recommended to create backups of your designs before upgrading to a new version.
2. Q: How can I access the new features and improvements in Altium Designer? A: After installing the latest version of Altium Designer, the new features and improvements will be available automatically. You can explore the updated user interface, access new design tools, and take advantage of the performance optimizations and bug fixes.
3. Q: Will I need to purchase a new license or subscription to access the new version? A: If you have an active subscription or maintenance contract with Altium, you should receive the new version as part of your existing agreement. However, it is recommended to check with Altium or your authorized reseller for specific licensing requirements and pricing information.
4. Q: Are there any training resources available to help me learn about the new features? A: Yes, Altium provides various training resources, including video tutorials, documentation, and online courses. These resources can help you quickly familiarize yourself with the new features and optimize your design workflow.
5. Q: How can I provide feedback or report issues with the new version of Altium Designer? A: Altium values user feedback and encourages users to report any issues or provide suggestions for improvement. You can submit feedback through the Altium support portal, community forums, or by contacting your local Altium representative.

Conclusion

The latest public release of Altium Designer introduces exciting new features, performance optimizations, and usability improvements designed to enhance the PCB design experience. From an improved user interface and advanced design tools to expanded component libraries and optimized performance, this release demonstrates Altium's commitment to providing cutting-edge EDA solutions.

Whether you're a seasoned Altium user or new to the platform, this release offers numerous benefits to streamline your design workflow, improve collaboration, and ensure high-quality and reliable PCB designs. By staying up-to-date with the latest releases and taking advantage of the new features, you can remain at the forefront of PCB design and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.