Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Altium Develop keeps your schematic, layout, and design rules in one connected environment so problems like misplaced teardrops and sloppy clearances get caught before fabrication: altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=one-minute-pcb-design-reviews&utm_content=teardrops-in-all-the-wrong-places
In this One Minute PCB Design Review, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson reviews a USB-C PD based power supply and works through the schematic and layout issues that separate a good board from a great one. Zach starts with the input capacitors, where a 10 ohm series resistor has been placed on two caps but skipped on a third, and explains why series resistance on input capacitors should generally be limited to around 3 ohms.
Moving into the PCB layout, Zach points out that teardrops have been applied liberally to SMD pads, when the place they actually earn their keep is on vias, where they compensate for low annular ring. His advice is to re-run the teardrops tool at the end of routing so that every via that needs a teardrop gets one. The board finishes with only 9 rule violations, most of them silkscreen to solder mask clearance, and Zach explains why that default clearance value can safely be dropped to 4 or 5 mil.
🔹 Connect with Zach: Want your design reviewed by Zach? Reach out to him on LinkedIn with your design and production files for a chance to be featured on our channel: linkedin.com/in/zachariah-peterson
💡 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.
#Altium #pcbdesign #usbc
Altium Develop keeps your schematic, layout, and design rules in one connected environment so problems like misplaced teardrops and sloppy clearances get caught before fabrication: altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=one-minute-pcb-design-reviews&utm_content=teardrops-in-all-the-wrong-places
In this One Minute PCB Design Review, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson reviews a USB-C PD based power supply and works through the schematic and layout issues that separate a good board from a great one. Zach starts with the input capacitors, where a 10 ohm series resistor has been placed on two caps but skipped on a third, and explains why series resistance on input capacitors should generally be limited to around 3 ohms.
Moving into the PCB layout, Zach points out that teardrops have been applied liberally to SMD pads, when the place they actually earn their keep is on vias, where they compensate for low annular ring. His advice is to re-run the teardrops tool at the end of routing so that every via that needs a teardrop gets one. The board finishes with only 9 rule violations, most of them silkscreen to solder mask clearance, and Zach explains why that default clearance value can safely be dropped to 4 or 5 mil.
🔹 Connect with Zach: Want your design reviewed by Zach? Reach out to him on LinkedIn with your design and production files for a chance to be featured on our channel: linkedin.com/in/zachariah-peterson
💡 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.
#Altium #pcbdesign #usbc
