Altium PCB
For a two layer PCB the following layers will be used in designing the PCB:
- Top Overlay
- Courtyard Top
- Top Paste
- Top Solder
- Top Layer
- Bottom Layer
- Bottom Solder
- Bottom Paste
- Courtyard Bottom
- Bottom Overlay
A description of the different layers are given below:
Top Overlay
This is the silkscreen on the top of the PCB.
Courtyard Top/Courtyard Bottom
The Courtyard layer is the minimum distance from the component so that it is not possible to place the components too close together.
Top Paste/Bottom Paste
This layer is used in production to generate a stencil.
Top Solder/Bottom Solder
This layer specifies where the solder mask should be placed.
Top Layer
This layer is used for placing components and draw traces.
GND Layer*
This is an interlayer of copper that is completely connected to GND.
PWR Layer*
This is an interlayer of copper that is completely connected to PWR. Where PWR is a voltage that is decided by the designer.
Bottom Layer
This layer is used for placing components and draw traces. If possible the designer should restrict placing components to only the top layer.
Bottom Overlay
This is the silkscreen on the bottom of the PCB.
*These layers are only available with a 4-layer design PCB.