Basic PCB Design
EE-41004
Learn PCB Design: Create and Build Your Own Circuit Boards
The PCB Design Fundamentals Course introduces you to the world of printed circuit board (PCB) design, giving you the skills to create functional, real-world electronic products. Starting with an overview of industry-standard tools like Altium Designer and Altium 365, this course covers every stage of PCB development, from schematics to final manufacturing documentation. You will learn how to design reliable, manufacturable PCBs that power everything from smartphones to medical devices.
With hands-on exercises and expert guidance, this course will help you navigate the entire PCB design workflow and gain the confidence to tackle real-world projects in industries like aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Whether you are a beginner or have some experience in electronics, this course provides a structured introduction to PCB design, with plenty of hands-on practice and support from expert instructors. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn and explore the world of modern electronics!
Course Highlights
- Hands-on experience with Altium Designer and Altium 365, the top tools for PCB design.
- Step-by-step guidance through the full PCB design process, from schematics to manufacturing documentation.
- Master essential techniques such as component placement, PCB trace routing, and design verification.
- Real-world design projects to prepare you for the electronics industry.
- Learn how to create manufacturing-ready documentation, including Gerber files and bills of materials (BOMs).
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you will:- Understand the PCB design process from start to finish.
- Learn how to use Altium Designer and Altium 365 for schematic creation and PCB layout.
- Build and maintain component libraries to ensure accurate part selection.
- Master component placement and routing techniques for optimized PCB designs.
- Verify your designs using Electrical Rules Checks (ERC) and Design Rules Checks (DRC).
- Work with PCB layers, stackups, and differential pairs for more complex designs.
- Generate manufacturing documentation, including Gerber files, BOMs, and pick-and-place reports.
- Apply industry best practices for creating high-quality, manufacturable PCBs.
Who Should Take This Course
This course is perfect for you if you are- A university student studying electrical, electronics, or computer engineering and want to apply your knowledge in real-world projects.
- An aspiring hardware designer or embedded system engineer looking to prototype or develop IoT devices.
- A professional looking to transition into electronics design or enhance your skill set.
- A hobbyist passionate about building and troubleshooting electronic devices.
- An educator wanting to integrate PCB design into your teaching.
Course Details and Next Steps
- Course Typically Offered: Online during Fall and Spring quarter.
- Next steps: Upon completion of this course, consider taking other courses in the Antenna Engineering Certificate.
- More information: Contact unexengr@ucsd.edu to learn more about Anteena Engineering and course offerings.
Industry Collaboration with EMAC
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This course is offered in collaboration with the Electronic Manufacturing and Assembly Collaborative (EMAC) — a national initiative supporting workforce development in electronics manufacturing and PCB design.
Through this partnership, students gain access to industry-informed curriculum and hands-on learning that aligns with current trends in electronics design, assembly, and advanced manufacturing.
Career & Internship Opportunities
Students enrolled in this course can access the EMAC Student Success Portal, which connects learners to internships and entry-level job opportunities in the electronics industry.
Use the portal to:
- Browse nationwide electronics manufacturing job openings
- Create a profile to showcase your skills
- Connect with employers in PCB design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing