Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Altium Develop keeps your entire team aligned on component decisions — from schematic parameterization to BOM handoff — so the right parts make it into every build: altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=schematic-capture&utm_content=when-to-add-part-numbers-to-smd-passives
In this Altium Academy video, Zach Peterson discusses essential electronics basics, focusing on the importance of including part numbers for SMD components, specifically passives like the smd resistor, directly on schematics. He addresses the common question of whether relying solely on the Bill of Materials (BOM) is sufficient for managing electronic components.
Not all SMD passives are created equal, and knowing when to specify exact part numbers in your schematics or component libraries can be the difference between a board that works and one that fails in the field. From RF and microwave applications requiring guaranteed self-resonant frequency performance, to high-reliability environments like aerospace, automotive, and wearable medical devices, Zach walks through exactly why certain components demand a specific part number — and why leaving that choice up to your assembler or EMS can be a costly mistake. Whether you're managing a component library or handing off schematics to a client, this video will sharpen your approach to BOM accuracy and component parameterization.
👉 Resources from this video:
- Fix Inconsistent Part Parameters in Your PCB Schematic: youtu.be/4BIPD9YTg8Y
- Browse Parts on Octopart: octopart.com
- Are Your SMD Components Reliable for Aerospace?: resources.altium.com/p/are-your-smd-components-reliable-aerospace
- Designing Pressure Tolerant Electronics: It's All About Mechanics: resources.altium.com/p/designing-pressure-tolerant-electronics-its-all-about-mechanics
💡 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 #SMDComponents
0:00 Intro
1:12 Consistent Parameters
2:45 Comments on Parameters ️
4:57 Contract Engineering
6:02 Turnkey Manufacturing
7:24 Specific Part Numbers
8:58 Capacitor Behavior
10:43 Resistor Specifications ️
12:28 Specify Part Numbers
13:58 Aerospace Components
15:29 Vacuum Environment
16:30 Medical Devices 🩺
17:42 Outro
Altium Develop keeps your entire team aligned on component decisions — from schematic parameterization to BOM handoff — so the right parts make it into every build: altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=schematic-capture&utm_content=when-to-add-part-numbers-to-smd-passives
In this Altium Academy video, Zach Peterson discusses essential electronics basics, focusing on the importance of including part numbers for SMD components, specifically passives like the smd resistor, directly on schematics. He addresses the common question of whether relying solely on the Bill of Materials (BOM) is sufficient for managing electronic components.
Not all SMD passives are created equal, and knowing when to specify exact part numbers in your schematics or component libraries can be the difference between a board that works and one that fails in the field. From RF and microwave applications requiring guaranteed self-resonant frequency performance, to high-reliability environments like aerospace, automotive, and wearable medical devices, Zach walks through exactly why certain components demand a specific part number — and why leaving that choice up to your assembler or EMS can be a costly mistake. Whether you're managing a component library or handing off schematics to a client, this video will sharpen your approach to BOM accuracy and component parameterization.
👉 Resources from this video:
- Fix Inconsistent Part Parameters in Your PCB Schematic: youtu.be/4BIPD9YTg8Y
- Browse Parts on Octopart: octopart.com
- Are Your SMD Components Reliable for Aerospace?: resources.altium.com/p/are-your-smd-components-reliable-aerospace
- Designing Pressure Tolerant Electronics: It's All About Mechanics: resources.altium.com/p/designing-pressure-tolerant-electronics-its-all-about-mechanics
💡 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 #SMDComponents
0:00 Intro
1:12 Consistent Parameters
2:45 Comments on Parameters ️
4:57 Contract Engineering
6:02 Turnkey Manufacturing
7:24 Specific Part Numbers
8:58 Capacitor Behavior
10:43 Resistor Specifications ️
12:28 Specify Part Numbers
13:58 Aerospace Components
15:29 Vacuum Environment
16:30 Medical Devices 🩺
17:42 Outro
