DBLib - Limit Testing

As my DbLIB record count was approaching about 1000 records I began to wonder if Altium was going to take a big performance hit as my single table database library continued to grow.

I decided to do some limit testing.

I created an dummy Access database table library with > 10,000 parts.  I was pleased to see that the Library Panel (parts placement window) was fully populated in a few seconds and very responsive to part searches and part placement.



When designing your Altium DBLib database, you may be tempted to break the table up and spread it across several part type tables such as:

Capacitors 
Connectors
Inductors
ICs
Resistors
Other

I suggest you keep all of your parametric data in a single flat table and organize the Library Panel.

This method has a couple of noteworthy benefits. Most importantly by using a single table you can easily prevent users from entering duplicate part numbers into the database. 

Another benefit of the single flat table model is that is easier to copy and paste records to create new parts that are similar to existing parts in the table (make like).

When designing a database schema think about what is required in the Bill of Materials.

That's it !

Scripts - Reference Manuals

API reference manuals for Scripting in Altium

TR0138, TR0139, TR0140 and TR0141.


VB Script Reference TR0125


Example Scripts Installation Path:

DDR2 SDRAM - Components

Using Altium's ready to use parts can save you hours of design time.

Micron DDR2 SDRAM - Altium Content Store

Component_Management

The Vault is a repository of released re-usable content, it is not a production Product Life Management (PLM) tool. The vault is a design life-cycle tool. 

Once a product leaves the design phase and goes into volume production, the manufacturing side of the company will typcially use a PLM tool, such as Agile or Arena.

Are you using Altium's Vault Services?  Comments welcome.

Here are some interesting comments about using Altium's Vault

CIS Database Example

Altium installs an Example CIS database in C:\ProgramData\Altium\...

Arena Solutions - BOM Control

Arena Solutions - BOM Control /Arena_Altium_Integration.pdf

Vault-Driven Electronics Design - English documentation - The Altium Wiki

Vault-Driven Electronics Design - English documentation - The Altium Wiki: " with key design and management practices, to fuel a high-quality, high-yield design flow  – empowering your design team to design with freedom in a highly-secure environment. A" 'via Blog this'

Altium Gaining Market Share

Altium is Gaining Market Share

Recent surveys have Altium at ~ 39% of the market share.

Printed Circuit Design & Fab Magazine Online:

PCB - Differential Pairs

AD13 Differential Pair Rules defined in the PCB.

Add Class


Add, Delete or Edit Pairs


Select Positive and Negative Nets and Enter Name

Schematic symbols - Google Search

Schematic Symbols - Google Search

Google Drive - SyncToy

I use Google Drive and SyncToy to keep files synchronized and backed up.

Google Drive gives me easy access to my files from anywhere via the internet.  You can also choose to share files or not to share files.  

Google Drive is great for synchronizing files between remotely located PCs, such as work and home or a workstation and mobile devices.

Google starts you off with 5 GB of free space and offers very affordable upgrades.

I use SyncToy for local drives and intranet backups.

For trouble free drag and drop file operation I recommend partitioning the C: drive. It is too easy to accidentally move files using drag and drop when both folders are in the C: drive. Creating a partition solves the copy vice move files problem.

Partition the C: Drive and Create X: Drive.



Create X:\Google Drive



Create SyncToy Folder Pair



Example: Set SyncToy Options



I like to exclude Altium History and Access Lock Files *.~*;*.ldb