Altium 365: PCB Design with Cloud-Based Collaboration

In the world of electronic design, efficiency and collaboration are key to innovation and success. Altium 365 emerges as a model of progress, offering a cloud-based platform that seamlessly integrates PCB design, MCAD, data management and team collaboration. With its robust features and easy-to-use interface, Altium is not just a tool, but a game-changer in the electronics design landscape.

What is Altium 365?

Altium 365 is a cloud-based platform that unites PCB design, MCAD, data management, and real-time team collaboration. It is designed to simplify the design process and facilitate collaboration for everyone involved in the product creation process.

What is Altium 365 for?

Altium is mainly used for the design and realization of electronic products. It offers a complete set of tools for schematic layout and printed circuit board (PCB) layout. One of the key features of Altium is its ability to facilitate real-time team collaboration. This makes it a great tool for teams working on electronic development projects, allowing for easy sharing and collaboration on designs, regardless of the location of team members.

Characteristics:

• Design Collaboration: Allows team members to collaborate on PCB designs in real time. This includes sharing design files, commenting and reviewing projects directly in the cloud.
• ECAD-MCAD CoDesign: Altium facilitates seamless integration between electrical CAD (ECAD) and mechanical CAD (MCAD), enabling efficient co-design and reducing the risk of errors between electrical and mechanical engineers.
• Component and library management: The platform provides tools to manage components and libraries, making it easy to maintain consistency and integrity across all design assets.
• Version control: With the built-in GIT version control system (VCS), Altium helps track changes, maintain project history, and ensure that all team members are working on the latest version of the design .
• Project Accessibility: Projects can be made available online, allowing easy access and management of PCB design projects from anywhere, anytime.
• Data management: Altium serves as a secure cloud platform to store all design files, ensuring data is consistent and accessible to all stakeholders involved in the design process.

User experience and collaboration

Altium 365 has been praised for its intuitive user interface and the ease with which it facilitates project sharing between colleagues and stakeholders. Users can view, comment and manage design files directly in a web browser, eliminating the need to install specialized software. This accessibility ensures that all team members, regardless of location or role, can participate in the design process, improving productivity and reducing time to market.

Data management and control

One of the standout features of Altium is its data management capabilities. Users appreciate the platform’s ability to control design data effectively, ensuring compliance with quality systems. The integrated GIT version control system offers an additional layer of security and traceability, allowing teams to manage changes and revisions with confidence.

Seamless integration and support

The integration of Altium 365 with Altium Designer provides a seamless transition from traditional desktop-based design tools to a cloud-based environment. The platform’s support team has received praise for its responsiveness, often resolving issues within days, which speaks volumes about Altium’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

How difficult is it to use?

Altium 365 is designed to be easy to use, especially for those already familiar with Altium Designer. However, like any sophisticated software, there is a learning curve, especially for new users or those who are new to PCB design.
While Altium may initially seem complex due to its extensive features, the availability of comprehensive guides and tutorials makes the learning process manageable and valuable. As with any new tool, the more you use it, the more comfortable you will become with its functionalities.
For example:

See also:

How to get it?

Altium 365 can be obtained through the official Altium website. They offer different levels of access to the Altium 365 platform and the services it provides, depending on your needs. After purchase, you can access the online platform from anywhere, which is one of the benefits of being a cloud-based tool. It is important to note that costs may vary depending on the level of access and services you choose.

For a more detailed guide, including video tutorials on how to get started with Altium 365, you can visit the Getting Started with Altium 365 User Guide on their website. Additionally, there are helpful video tutorials available on platforms like YouTube that can guide you through the process of connecting to an Altium 365 workspace and starting your projects.

Advantages

• Collaboration: Altium 365 allows users to easily share designs with both colleagues and external companies.
• Data Management: Data management tools are great for controlling design data.
• Cloud-based: Being cloud-based, Altium 365 allows users to review designs efficiently, no matter where they are.
• Integration: Altium integrates seamlessly with Altium Designer, providing a unified platform for PCB design.

Disadvantages

• Learning curve: Some users have reported that it can be a little confusing at first.
• Project Management: Sometimes it may be unclear how cloud projects connect to the local copy of the project.

In conclusion, Altium 365 is a solid and complete tool for electronic design. While it has a learning curve, the wealth of resources available makes it accessible to users of all levels.

Get Altium 365

References:

https://www.altium365.com

https://www.3dsourced.com/3d-software/best-pcb-design-software/

https://resources.altium.com/p/streamlining-the-altium-designer-user-experience

https://www.g2.com/products/altium-altium-designer/reviews

https://www.sfcircuits.com/pcb-school/pcb-design-software-comparison-guide