Hierarchical schematic designs, or block designs, are where different schematic designs are represented by block symbols on the top sheet of the main design. A typical PCB schematic What are Hierarchical Schematic Designs? First, let’s talk about what a hierarchical schematic is and how it works within the CAD system.

Let’s take a look at the different ways that using hierarchy in your schematic can help your design and the advantages of schematic diagrams. Just as an organizational chart displays your company’s hierarchical structure, hierarchical schematic designs will organize and display your design’s structure.Ī hierarchical schematic layout can be an enormous benefit. However, when the schematic is made up of multiple sheets, it can be difficult to find parts or functionality spread across the different sheets. Small schematics can be displayed on one or two sheets, which are easy to work with. The organization of a schematic for a PCB design is similar to the organization of a company. On the other hand, if your company doesn’t have that kind of hierarchical structure, it can lead to a lot of confusion. By knowing who reports to whom, and which departments have dotted-line cross-functional reports, you know who to go to for specific questions or tasks. Do you work for a company that has its structure defined on an organizational chart? If so, then you know how useful a hierarchical structure is.

Altium hierarchical schematic