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Sim1p , 08-13-2026, 08:31 AM

Hi all and hi @Phil, i'm following the course and i finished watching lesson 5 (the supply lesson). I was windering, how can i catch up to the point to re-create schematics of the video? I was surprised when i saw the complete project files already available, i can Just use them but i don't feel Independent to start a schematic from scratch. How am i supposed ti follow the course? Doing my own project in parallel? What resources do you advise/have watched before phil's course?

, 08-13-2026, 08:33 AM

🤖 In the meantime, here’s a response from the [FEDEVEL AI HW Assistant]().
It helps to find relevant resources for your question, but it may make mistakes as it’s still in early development.

This is the response from the AI Assistant:
Here's a structured approach to gain independence in schematic design based on the course materials and best practices from the videos:

1. **Start with Reference Designs**
Always begin by importing proven schematics (like those provided in the course) rather than starting from blank pages. This ensures you're working with a known-good foundation while learning. Modify components/connections gradually as you gain confidence ([Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohleD7EHWXA&t=145)).

2. **Parallel Project Strategy**
Create a "sandbox" project alongside the course where you:
- Rebuild key circuit blocks from scratch (like power supplies)
- Practice creating custom schematic symbols and footprints ([Example](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpgTud1iQ-4&t=430))
- Modify one section of the reference design at a time

3. **Critical Schematic Checking**
Use Altium's Navigator panel to verify every net and connection systematically. This builds understanding of proper signal routing and helps identify dependencies ([Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDAuCchchtI&t=6)).

4. **Component Library Mastery**
Develop your own library system with:
- Specific symbols for each component type (never generic resistors/caps) ([Why](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRaPwBUokJQ&t=0))
- Parametric footprints for different package sizes
- 3D models for mechanical validation

5.

, 08-13-2026, 08:33 AM

**Power Supply Focus**
Since you're on the power lesson, practice:
- Current budgeting for LDOs/regulators ([Example](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDAuCchchtI&t=2714))
- Decoupling capacitor placement
- Thermal analysis through copper area calculations

**Recommended Pre-Course Resources**
The videos suggest these fundamentals:
1. Basic circuit theory (Ohm's Law, power calculations)
2. Component datasheet navigation skills
3. PCB manufacturing process overview
4. Digital/Analog interface considerations (shown in [SPI checking example](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDAuCchchtI&t=3442))

Key insight from the materials: *"Professional designers don't start from scratch - they modify proven designs while rigorously checking each modification."* ([Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5SazzziazM&t=556)). Your independence will grow through incremental changes to working designs rather than blank-sheet creation.

You can continue chatting with the AI Assistant here:
https://fedevel.com/hw-assistant

Sim1p , 08-13-2026, 10:33 AM

And also why, in the power supply section, we choose that particular configuration made of capacitor, inducfor, capacitor? We always design power supply this way?

QDrives , 08-13-2026, 02:11 PM

Seems you need some basics on switch mode buck regulation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1rxYGp9bos

Sim1p , 08-13-2026, 07:18 PM

Thank you very much, I'll give a look but i was referring to the pi filter just after the +5V.
Is the video also about that, other than the switched mode power supplies?

QDrives , 08-14-2026, 01:29 AM

Sorry, my mistake.
But a pi-filter after a 5V regulator?

Sim1p , 08-14-2026, 11:39 AM

Nope, before the regulator. I'm referring to phil's course, lesson 5. There, he uses a Pi filter Just After the +5V coming from USB and before the regulator. I mean, i understand why one need to use filtering, but why that kind of filter and why in that position? Are there resources where to learn from this?

Sim1p , 08-14-2026, 11:40 AM

I mean, how one learn to design such "blocks" that interconnected each other they give birth to a fully working circuit

Sim1p , 08-14-2026, 11:42 AM

Can i use other types of filters? If i have to study alone, where Is my starting point? What i mean Is that, even if phil's course Is great, i still feel that i'm not given instruments for my own designs. Am i missing something? Do we Always use più filters after +5V coming from USB?

QDrives , 08-14-2026, 01:54 PM

I see.
Do note that I do not have access to the course, nor have I seen it. I am here merely to help people answering the question the best I can.

As for the pi-filter:
I do hope you know that a capacitor 'conducts' higher frequency signals and inductors lower frequencies. If you struggle with this, better first learn that.
With the capacitors connected to Gnd, they will 'conduct' noise to Gnd.
The inductor want to pass only low frequency (DC at best) current.
A pi-filter allows the noise in both directions to be filtered. So both incoming and outgoing noise.
A pi-filter is often preferred over a T-filter as (ceramic) capacitors are cheaper than inductors.

As a side note:
I do hope that Phil called the net "Vbus" and not +5V.
With USB-PD it is no longer guaranteed 5V. Nor has it ever been guaranteed 5.0V.
By naming it Vbus you indicate that it is the voltage as supplied from the USB bus without assigning a voltage level to it.

Let me know if this makes everything clear.

Sim1p , 08-14-2026, 05:36 PM

Yes absolutely. Phil named VBUS the net, i was calling 5V but It Is VBUS which can vary between idk 4.5 to 5V, something like that. Yes your explanation makes sense, i know components so this makes sense

Sim1p , 08-14-2026, 05:36 PM

Thank you very much

Sim1p , 08-14-2026, 05:38 PM

I'm an electronics engineer trying to learn PCB design since my university was lacking on that. So i know basic components, buck/boost converters exc...but One things Is know the theory and another thing Is know how to draw schematics that works