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| logo = Altium Designer Logo.png
| logo = Altium Designer Logo.png
| screenshot =
| screenshot =
| caption =Screenshot of Altium Designer
| caption = Screenshot of Altium Designer
| collapsible =
| collapsible =
| author =
| author =
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| released = {{Start date and age|2005}}
| released = {{Start date and age|2005}}
| latest release version = 25.0.2<ref name="Altium_Version"/>
| latest release version = 25.0.2<ref name="Altium_Version"/>
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2024|11|12|df=yes}}
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2024|11|12|df=yes}}
| programming language = [[Delphi (programming language)|Delphi]], [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[C++ (programming language)|C++]]
| programming language = [[Delphi (software)|Delphi]], [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[C++]]
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| platform =
| platform = [[IA-32]], [[x86-64]]
| size =
| size =
| language =
| language = English
| genre = [[ECAD]]/[[Electronic design automation|EDA]], [[Computer-aided manufacturing|CAM]]
| genre = [[ECAD]]–[[Electronic design automation|EDA]], [[Computer-aided manufacturing|CAM]]
| license = Proprietary
| license = [[Proprietary software |Proprietary]]
| website = {{url|https://www.altium.com/altium-designer/}}
| website = {{URL|www.altium.com/altium-designer}}
}}
}}


'''Altium Designer''' ('''AD''') is a [[Printed circuit board|PCB]] and [[electronic design automation]] software package for printed circuit boards. It is developed by American software company [[Altium Limited]]. Altium Designer was previously named under the "Protel" brand.
'''Altium Designer''' ('''AD''') is a [[printed circuit board]] (PCB) and [[electronic design automation]] software package for printed circuit boards. It is developed by American software company [[Altium Limited]]. Altium Designer was formerly named under the brand ''Protel''.


== History ==
== History ==


Altium Designer was originally launched in 2005 by Altium, known at the time as Protel Systems Pty Ltd. It has roots back to 1985 when the company launched the [[DOS]]-based PCB design tool known as [[Protel PCB]] (which later emerged into [[Autotrax]] and [[Easytrax]]). Originally it was sold only in Australia.<ref name="Martin_2017"/><ref name="ACCEL_Tango_3_12"/> Protel PCB was marketed internationally by HST Technology since 1986.<ref name="ACCEL_Tango_3_12"/> The product became available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning in 1986, marketed by San Diego–based [[ACCEL Technologies, Inc.]] under the name [[Tango PCB]].<ref name="ACCEL_Tango_3_12"/><!-- TBD: Judging by the copyright strings, the "Tango PCB"-corresponding module "Tango Route" seems to have been their own product not derived from Protel PCB. --> In 1987, Protel launched the circuit diagram editor ''[[Protel Schematic]]'' for DOS.
Altium Designer was originally launched in 2005 by Altium, then named Protel Systems Pty Ltd. It has roots in 1985, when the company launched the [[DOS]]-based PCB design tool named [[Protel PCB]] (which later emerged into [[Autotrax]] and [[Easytrax]]). Originally it was sold only in Australia.<ref name="Martin_2017"/><ref name="ACCEL_Tango_3_12"/> Protel PCB was marketed internationally by HST Technology since 1986.<ref name="ACCEL_Tango_3_12"/> The product became available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning in 1986, marketed by San Diego–based ACCEL Technologies, Inc., under the name [[Tango PCB]].<ref name="ACCEL_Tango_3_12"/><!-- TBD: Judging by the copyright strings, the "Tango PCB"-corresponding module "Tango Route" seems to have been their own product not derived from Protel PCB. --> In 1987, Protel launched the circuit diagram editor ''[[Protel Schematic]]'' for DOS.


In 1991, Protel released ''Advanced Schematic'' and ''Advanced PCB'' 1.0 for [[Windows]] (1991–1993), followed by Advanced Schematic/PCB 2.x (1993–1995) and 3.x (1995–1998).<!-- Protel 95? --> In 1998, ''Protel 98'' consolidated all components, including ''Advanced Schematic'' and ''Advanced PCB'', into a single environment. ''Protel 99'' in 1999 introduced the first integrated 3D visualization of the PCB assembly. It was followed by ''Protel 99 SE'' in 2000. ''Protel DXP'' was issued in 2003, ''Protel 2004'' in 2004, Altium Designer 6.0 in 2005. Altium Designer version 6.8 from 2007 was the first to offer 3D visualization and clearance checking of PCBs directly within the PCB editor.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
In 1991, Protel released ''Advanced Schematic'' and ''Advanced PCB'' 1.0 for [[Windows]] (1991–1993), followed by Advanced Schematic/PCB 2.x (1993–1995) and 3.x (1995–1998).<!-- Protel 95? --> In 1998, ''Protel 98'' consolidated all components, including ''Advanced Schematic'' and ''Advanced PCB'', into a single environment. ''Protel 99'' in 1999 introduced the first integrated 3D visualization of the PCB assembly. It was followed by ''Protel 99 SE'' in 2000. ''Protel DXP'' was issued in 2003, ''Protel 2004'' in 2004, Altium Designer 6.0 in 2005. Altium Designer version 6.8 from 2007 was the first to offer 3D visualization and clearance checking of PCBs directly within the PCB editor.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
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== File formats ==
== File formats ==
{{Infobox file format
{{Infobox file format
| name = Altium Schematic Editor
| name = Altium Schematic Editor
| extension = .SchDoc
| extension = .SchDoc
| developer = Altium Limited
| developer = Altium Limited
| type = [[Binary data|Binary]], [[ASCII]]<ref name=":0" />
| type = [[Binary data|Binary]], [[ASCII]]<ref name=":0"/>
}}
}}


{{Infobox file format
{{Infobox file format
| name = Altium PCB Editor
| name = Altium PCB Editor
| extension = .PcbDoc
| extension = .PcbDoc
| developer = Altium Limited
| developer = Altium Limited
| type = [[Binary data|Binary]], [[ASCII]]<ref name=":0" />
| type = [[Binary data|Binary]], [[ASCII]]<ref name=":0"/>
}}
}}


Altium Designer supports import & export of various PCB and [[CAD data exchange]] file formats.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Interfacing to Other Design Tools from Altium Designer {{!}} Altium Designer 22 User Manual {{!}} Documentation |url=https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/interfacing-to-other-design-tools-overview |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=www.altium.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Altium Design Software Import-Export Support {{!}} Altium Designer 22 User Manual {{!}} Documentation |url=https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/importing-from-other-altium-design-software |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=www.altium.com}}</ref> The tool's native file formats are the binary<!-- even with Altium 24 --> file formats {{Code|*.SchDoc}} and {{Code|*.PcbDoc}}.
Altium Designer supports import & export of various PCB and [[CAD data exchange]] file formats.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Interfacing to Other Design Tools from Altium Designer – Altium Designer 22 User Manual – Documentation |url=https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/interfacing-to-other-design-tools-overview |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=www.altium.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Altium Design Software Import-Export Support – Altium Designer 22 User Manual – Documentation |url=https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/importing-from-other-altium-design-software |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=www.altium.com}}</ref> The tool's native file formats are the binary<!-- even with Altium 24 --> file formats {{Code|*.SchDoc}} and {{Code|*.PcbDoc}}.


Altium Designer is capable to import and export AutoCAD [[.dwg|{{Code|*.dwg}}/{{Code|*.dxf}}]] and ISO [[ISO 10303-21|STEP]] file formats.<ref name=":0" />
Altium Designer is able to import and export AutoCAD [[.dwg|{{Code|*.dwg}}/{{Code|*.dxf}}]] and ISO [[ISO 10303-21|STEP]] file formats.<ref name=":0"/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 62: Line 62:
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Altium_Version">{{Cite web |url=https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/public-release-notes |title=Public Release Notes for Altium Designer}}</ref>
<ref name="Altium_Version">{{Cite web |url=https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/public-release-notes |title=Public Release Notes for Altium Designer}}</ref>
<ref name="Martin_2017">{{Cite web |url=https://semiengineering.com/kc/people.php?pid=11492 |title=Nick Martin .: SemiEngineering.com |website=semiengineering.com |access-date=2017-12-06 |archive-date=2017-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207020506/http://semiengineering.com/kc/people.php?pid=11492 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="Martin_2017">{{Cite web |url=https://semiengineering.com/kc/people.php?pid=11492 |title=Nick Martin .: SemiEngineering.com |website=semiengineering.com |access-date=2017-12-06 |archive-date=2017-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207020506/http://semiengineering.com/kc/people.php?pid=11492 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="ACCEL_Tango_3_12">{{cite book |title=TangoPCB |date=1987-12-01 |orig-year=1986 |version=Tango-PCB 3.12 |publisher=[[ACCEL Technologies, Inc.]] |quote=It was originally written in 1985 by Nick Martin, of Australia, and sold under the name of PROTEL-PCB. In 1986, ACCEL Technologies, Inc., of San Diego, California, acquired marketing and support responsibilities for the product in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. […] The reference manual was re-written for the American market. ACCEL markets the product under the name Tango-PCB.}}</ref>
<ref name="ACCEL_Tango_3_12">{{cite book |title=TangoPCB |date=1987-12-01 |orig-year=1986 |version=Tango-PCB 3.12 |publisher=ACCEL Technologies, Inc. |quote=It was originally written in 1985 by Nick Martin, of Australia, and sold under the name of PROTEL-PCB. In 1986, ACCEL Technologies, Inc., of San Diego, California, acquired marketing and support responsibilities for the product in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. […] The reference manual was re-written for the American market. ACCEL markets the product under the name Tango-PCB.}}</ref>
<ref name="SFCircuits">{{Cite web |url=https://www.sfcircuits.com/pcb-school/pcb-design-software-comparison-guide |title=The Ultimate PCB Design Software Comparison {{!}} SFCircuits |website=www.sfcircuits.com |access-date=2017-12-21}}</ref>
<ref name="SFCircuits">{{Cite web |url=https://www.sfcircuits.com/pcb-school/pcb-design-software-comparison-guide |title=The Ultimate PCB Design Software Comparison – SFCircuits |website=www.sfcircuits.com |access-date=2017-12-21}}</ref>
<ref name="EETimes_2007">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1306947 |title=Altium releases 3D PCB visualization |author-last=Moretto |author-first=Gabe |date=2007-11-26}}</ref>
<ref name="EETimes_2007">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1306947 |title=Altium releases 3D PCB visualization |author-last=Moretto |author-first=Gabe |date=2007-11-26}}</ref>
<ref name="EETimes_2010">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1256428 |title=Aldec FPGA simulation added to Altium Designer |author-last=Holland |author-first=Colin |date=2010-05-25 |website=[[EE Times]]}}</ref>
<ref name="EETimes_2010">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1256428 |title=Aldec FPGA simulation added to Altium Designer |author-last=Holland |author-first=Colin |date=2010-05-25 |website=[[EE Times]]}}</ref>

Revision as of 16:03, 17 November 2024

Altium Designer
Developer(s)Altium
Initial release2005; 19 years ago (2005)
Stable release
25.0.2[1] / 12 November 2024; 31 days ago (2024-11-12)
Written inDelphi, C#, C++
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
PlatformIA-32, x86-64
Available inEnglish
TypeECAD–EDA, CAM
LicenseProprietary
Websitewww.altium.com/altium-designer

Altium Designer (AD) is a printed circuit board (PCB) and electronic design automation software package for printed circuit boards. It is developed by American software company Altium Limited. Altium Designer was formerly named under the brand Protel.

History

Altium Designer was originally launched in 2005 by Altium, then named Protel Systems Pty Ltd. It has roots in 1985, when the company launched the DOS-based PCB design tool named Protel PCB (which later emerged into Autotrax and Easytrax). Originally it was sold only in Australia.[2][3] Protel PCB was marketed internationally by HST Technology since 1986.[3] The product became available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning in 1986, marketed by San Diego–based ACCEL Technologies, Inc., under the name Tango PCB.[3] In 1987, Protel launched the circuit diagram editor Protel Schematic for DOS.

In 1991, Protel released Advanced Schematic and Advanced PCB 1.0 for Windows (1991–1993), followed by Advanced Schematic/PCB 2.x (1993–1995) and 3.x (1995–1998). In 1998, Protel 98 consolidated all components, including Advanced Schematic and Advanced PCB, into a single environment. Protel 99 in 1999 introduced the first integrated 3D visualization of the PCB assembly. It was followed by Protel 99 SE in 2000. Protel DXP was issued in 2003, Protel 2004 in 2004, Altium Designer 6.0 in 2005. Altium Designer version 6.8 from 2007 was the first to offer 3D visualization and clearance checking of PCBs directly within the PCB editor.[citation needed]

Features

Altium Designer's suite encompasses four main functional areas, including schematic capture,[4] 3D PCB design,[5] field-programmable gate array (FPGA) development[6] and release/data management.[7] It integrates with several component distributors for access to manufacturer's data.[8][9] It also has interactive 3D editing of the board and MCAD export to STEP.[10] Altium 365, a cloud-based infrastructure platform, connects all key stakeholders and disciplines for PCB design. This includes mechanical designers, engineers, PCB designers, parts procurement, fabrication, and assembly. Altium 365 hosting allows to find, configure and use parts.

File formats

Altium Schematic Editor
Filename extension
.SchDoc
Developed byAltium Limited
Type of formatBinary, ASCII[11]
Altium PCB Editor
Filename extension
.PcbDoc
Developed byAltium Limited
Type of formatBinary, ASCII[11]

Altium Designer supports import & export of various PCB and CAD data exchange file formats.[11][12] The tool's native file formats are the binary file formats *.SchDoc and *.PcbDoc.

Altium Designer is able to import and export AutoCAD *.dwg/*.dxf and ISO STEP file formats.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Public Release Notes for Altium Designer".
  2. ^ "Nick Martin .: SemiEngineering.com". semiengineering.com. Archived from the original on 2017-12-07. Retrieved 2017-12-06.
  3. ^ a b c TangoPCB. Tango-PCB 3.12. ACCEL Technologies, Inc. 1987-12-01 [1986]. It was originally written in 1985 by Nick Martin, of Australia, and sold under the name of PROTEL-PCB. In 1986, ACCEL Technologies, Inc., of San Diego, California, acquired marketing and support responsibilities for the product in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. […] The reference manual was re-written for the American market. ACCEL markets the product under the name Tango-PCB.
  4. ^ "The Ultimate PCB Design Software Comparison – SFCircuits". www.sfcircuits.com. Retrieved 2017-12-21.
  5. ^ Moretto, Gabe (2007-11-26). "Altium releases 3D PCB visualization".
  6. ^ Holland, Colin (2010-05-25). "Aldec FPGA simulation added to Altium Designer". EE Times.
  7. ^ "Altium announces new publishing and version control capabilities". EE Times. Retrieved 2010-12-21.
  8. ^ "CAD links to disty databases gain momentum". EE Times. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
  9. ^ "Altium releases 3D PCB visualization". EE Times. Retrieved 2010-09-06.
  10. ^ a b c d "Interfacing to Other Design Tools from Altium Designer – Altium Designer 22 User Manual – Documentation". www.altium.com. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  11. ^ "Altium Design Software Import-Export Support – Altium Designer 22 User Manual – Documentation". www.altium.com. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
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