4 Reasons Why Learning PCB Design is a Smart Business Move
If you are passionate about design and interested in tech and electronics, learning about printed circuit boards is a logical step to take. PCB design might seem like quite an abstract and esoteric subject, but it has never been easier to learn, and there have never been more applications for the skill.
Learn a Niche Skill
In today’s world where the gig economy reigns supreme, having a marketable skill is incredibly valuable. Even if your knowledge of PCB design is not backed up by a formal degree or qualification, it is still a useful skill to have and one that you can earn money with. While PCB design is a useful and marketable skill, it is also relatively niche. This means that you won’t be learning something that a huge number of people also know, as is the case when learning a skill like programming.
Accessible Resources
If you want to learn PCB design, you will find a plethora of resources available online for free. These online resources include the software you need to design printed circuit boards, as well as tutorials on how to go about it. These tutorials encompass both general design principles, and topics that are specific to individual software packages, like this article about Altium hierarchy in schematic design.
Lots of people assume that learning how to design the circuit boards at the heart of modern electronics would be a difficult undertaking, but it is actually far more accessible than most people realize. Needless to say, having access to so many online resources is very helpful when you are trying to learn something from scratch. There are plenty of formal PCB design courses out there, but you can get started for free on your own steam.
PCBs Are Used Everywhere
Printed circuit boards are at the heart of all modern electronic devices. Because printed circuit boards are used in such a wide range of contexts, if you know how to design them you can then use it as a basis for working in just about any industry you choose.
Not only will you learn how to design the same kind of circuit boards that underpin devices used every day, but you will also begin to gain a better understanding of how these devices work. This can give you a newfound appreciation for hardware and gadgets.

Speed Up the Entire Design and Production Process
Once you understand the principles of good PCB design, you can design, prototype, and manufacture circuit boards in record time. PCBs have enabled businesses to streamline the entire production process for consumer electronics, going from abstract designs to working prototypes quickly and efficiently. With businesses constantly looking for ways to streamline their workflow and reduce costs, there is a good market for talented PCB designers.
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