Altium API Deep Dive: Opening PCB Data to Developers

OnTrack · 7 Jul 2026 · 46m · Episode 347

What this episode covers

Rob Barton, Head of Platform API at Altium, explains the evolution of Altium's programmatic access from disconnected SDKs to the new Platform API, a federated GraphQL schema exposing design data, supply chain intelligence, and manufacturing services. He demonstrates live queries for Octopart supply data (pricing, availability, RoHS compliance) and deep PCB design data (layers, nets, track coordinates) via the Altium 365 infrastructure. Barton discusses the strategic shift toward an API-first philosophy to support enterprise customization and AI agents interacting via MCP servers, noting the upcoming Altium Developer Center.

Mentioned

Companies
Altium, Siemens, Dassault Systèmes, Renesas
Products
Altium 365, Altium Designer, Nexar, Octopart, Spectra
Tools
GraphQL

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