Electronic Circuit Design with Altium Designer: PCB Update, Component Placement, and Routing

1. Objective

The objective of this research stage is to transition from schematic design to printed circuit board (PCB) layout using Altium Designer under the guidance of our supervising teacher. In this stage, our student research team focuses on updating the schematic to the PCB environment, verifying component integrity, arranging components logically, and routing electrical connections with appropriate trace widths.
These tasks are essential for transforming the conceptual schematic into a manufacturable and functional PCB that ensures electrical reliability and design efficiency.

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2. Summary of Learning

Under our teacher’s supervision, the team first performed the Design → Update PCB Document process to synchronize all schematic components and nets with the PCB layout. We reviewed each component footprint and verified the accuracy of every symbol–footprint link to avoid design mismatches.

Next, we practiced strategic component placement, considering signal flow, mechanical constraints, and ease of routing to achieve a compact and logical layout.

In the routing process, we defined trace widths based on current requirements and signal type, ensuring full compliance with design rules. Using Altium Designer’s interactive routing and clearance verification tools, we completed all electrical connections while minimizing crosstalk and maintaining a clean, organized routing structure.

This stage helped our group understand the importance of systematic layout design and accurate rule management in building a reliable PCB.

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3. Application to the Water Purifier Project

In our Water Purifier Project, the knowledge gained from this stage was applied to the control circuit board design. After updating the schematic to PCB, we placed the main components—including the microcontroller, power regulators, and sensors—to optimize signal flow between the control and measurement sections.

The PCB outline was designed according to the 3D mechanical model to ensure proper fitting inside the water purifier enclosure. Trace widths were categorized: wide traces for power supply lines, medium widths for control signals, and narrow traces for sensor inputs.

Routing was performed using both manual and auto-routing tools to ensure stable signal transmission. The final layout resulted in a functional, organized PCB ready for fabrication and testing.

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4. Conclusion

This stage strengthened our team’s understanding of PCB layout design and its real-world application in Altium Designer. Through this guided learning process, we successfully connected theoretical schematic design to practical PCB implementation.
The experience also highlighted how careful layout planning and adherence to design rules can improve electrical performance, reduce interference, and enhance manufacturability. This research stage represents a valuable step in our journey toward mastering electronic hardware design.

5. Next Step

In the next stage, our team—under the continued guidance of our teacher—will perform Design Rule Checks (DRC), generate Gerber files, and prepare the final PCB documentation for manufacturing. We also plan to conduct thermal and electrical simulations to verify the PCB’s performance before sending it for fabrication.