Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Altium Develop lets your whole team — from designers to manufacturing engineers — collaborate on PCB designs in real time, catching layout and fabrication issues early before they become costly respins: altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=pcb-design-for-intermediate-users&utm_content=pcb-design-tips-to-improve-rf-power-amplifier-layout
Dive deep into RF power amplifier PCB design as Tech Consultant Zach Peterson expands on a design review based on our original 6 GHz RF signal generator tutorial. Learn critical layout optimization techniques including switching regulator routing, feedback loop placement, stitching via implementation, and copper balancing strategies. This comprehensive design review covers component placement best practices, ground plane management, board outline clearance rules, and proper documentation requirements for controlled impedance designs.
Discover how to optimize power regulator layouts, implement proper via stitching techniques, and apply fabrication requirements that ensure manufacturability. We examine real-world design decisions, compare original reference designs with student implementations, and demonstrate Altium's tools for automated clearance rules and polygon management.
👉 Resources from this Video:
- RF Power Amplifier Module PCB Design: resources.altium.com/p/rf-power-amplifier-module-pcb-design
- Design Files: nwengineeringllc.com/resources/examples/6-ghz-rf-signal-generator.php
- RF Power Amplifier Design: youtube.com/watch?v=9YGwXEvqjlw
- RF Power Amplifier Design Followup: youtube.com/watch?v=BB1WFB0id8Y
- What's In PCB Fabrication Notes?: youtu.be/khKXu3zwe_w
💡 Stay Connected:
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
👉 Subscribe for more: youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1
Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: twitter.com/altium
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/altium
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: facebook.com/AltiumOfficial
The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
About Altium LLC
Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.
#RFdesign #PCBlayout #AltiumDesigner
0:00 Intro
0:49 Overview of Original Design Files and Resources
2:09 Examining Original PCB Layout and Power Regulators
3:28 Reviewing Student Submission Schematic
4:50 Analyzing PCB Layout and Component Placement
11:49 Examining Power Regulator Layout Issues
16:02 The Footprint's Big Problem
16:59 Optimizing Switching Regulator Component Placement
19:03 Implementing Via Stitching for Ground Connections
19:38 Copper Balancing and Fill Strategies
20:27 Applying Board Outline Clearance Rules
21:48 Documentation and Fabrication Requirements
22:29 Wrapping Up
Altium Develop lets your whole team — from designers to manufacturing engineers — collaborate on PCB designs in real time, catching layout and fabrication issues early before they become costly respins: altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=pcb-design-for-intermediate-users&utm_content=pcb-design-tips-to-improve-rf-power-amplifier-layout
Dive deep into RF power amplifier PCB design as Tech Consultant Zach Peterson expands on a design review based on our original 6 GHz RF signal generator tutorial. Learn critical layout optimization techniques including switching regulator routing, feedback loop placement, stitching via implementation, and copper balancing strategies. This comprehensive design review covers component placement best practices, ground plane management, board outline clearance rules, and proper documentation requirements for controlled impedance designs.
Discover how to optimize power regulator layouts, implement proper via stitching techniques, and apply fabrication requirements that ensure manufacturability. We examine real-world design decisions, compare original reference designs with student implementations, and demonstrate Altium's tools for automated clearance rules and polygon management.
👉 Resources from this Video:
- RF Power Amplifier Module PCB Design: resources.altium.com/p/rf-power-amplifier-module-pcb-design
- Design Files: nwengineeringllc.com/resources/examples/6-ghz-rf-signal-generator.php
- RF Power Amplifier Design: youtube.com/watch?v=9YGwXEvqjlw
- RF Power Amplifier Design Followup: youtube.com/watch?v=BB1WFB0id8Y
- What's In PCB Fabrication Notes?: youtu.be/khKXu3zwe_w
💡 Stay Connected:
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
👉 Subscribe for more: youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1
Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: twitter.com/altium
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/altium
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: facebook.com/AltiumOfficial
The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
About Altium LLC
Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.
#RFdesign #PCBlayout #AltiumDesigner
0:00 Intro
0:49 Overview of Original Design Files and Resources
2:09 Examining Original PCB Layout and Power Regulators
3:28 Reviewing Student Submission Schematic
4:50 Analyzing PCB Layout and Component Placement
11:49 Examining Power Regulator Layout Issues
16:02 The Footprint's Big Problem
16:59 Optimizing Switching Regulator Component Placement
19:03 Implementing Via Stitching for Ground Connections
19:38 Copper Balancing and Fill Strategies
20:27 Applying Board Outline Clearance Rules
21:48 Documentation and Fabrication Requirements
22:29 Wrapping Up
