"Great customer service. The folks at Novedge were super helpful in navigating a somewhat complicated order including software upgrades and serial numbers in various stages of inactivity. They were friendly and helpful throughout the process.."
Ruben Ruckmark
"Quick & very helpful. We have been using Novedge for years and are very happy with their quick service when we need to make a purchase and excellent support resolving any issues."
Will Woodson
"Scott is the best. He reminds me about subscriptions dates, guides me in the correct direction for updates. He always responds promptly to me. He is literally the reason I continue to work with Novedge and will do so in the future."
Edward Mchugh
"Calvin Lok is “the man”. After my purchase of Sketchup 2021, he called me and provided step-by-step instructions to ease me through difficulties I was having with the setup of my new software."
Mike Borzage
September 14, 2024 4 min read
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design is a critical element in the electronics industry, forming the backbone of virtually all electronic devices. From consumer electronics to industrial machinery and medical devices, PCBs are essential for the functioning of modern technology. The design of PCBs has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from manual methods involving physical tapes and mylar sheets to sophisticated software solutions that enable precision and efficiency.
One of the most pivotal tools in the evolution of PCB design software is Altium Designer. Altium Designer is a comprehensive software suite for electronics design, offering advanced features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and design verification. Its development has significantly influenced the field of PCB design, enabling engineers and designers to create complex electronic systems with greater ease and accuracy.
Altium Limited, originally known as Protel, was founded in 1985 by Nicholas Martin, an Australian electronics designer. The company's initial focus was on providing affordable and accessible PCB design tools for smaller companies and individual engineers. Protel’s first software release, Protel PCB, ran on DOS-based systems and quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and powerful design capabilities.
Over the years, Protel underwent significant transformations, both in terms of its software offerings and its market presence. Key milestones in the development of Altium Designer include:
Altium Designer offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to the diverse needs of PCB designers. Some of the key features and capabilities include:
Altium Designer has made several significant technological contributions to the field of PCB design. These include:
Altium Designer has been adopted by major electronics companies worldwide, significantly influencing design efficiency and innovation. Its comprehensive feature set and user-friendly interface have made it a preferred choice for professional engineers and designers, contributing to the successful development of numerous high-profile electronic products.
Altium Designer continues to evolve, with recent updates and a future roadmap that focus on integrating emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. These advancements aim to further enhance the software’s capabilities and provide designers with even more powerful tools to tackle complex design challenges.
Despite its success, Altium Designer faces several challenges and opportunities, including:
Altium Designer has made significant contributions to the field of PCB design, offering powerful tools and innovative features that have transformed the way electronic products are developed. As the software continues to evolve, it is poised to remain at the forefront of PCB design technology, driving further advancements and enabling the creation of increasingly complex and sophisticated electronic systems.
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