In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Rob Barton, Head of Platform API at Altium, for a deep dive into how programmatic access is transforming PCB design and electronics development. Rob traces the evolution of Altium's API—from the early disconnected SDKs and the launch of Nexar, through Octopart supply data, all the way to the new Platform API that exposes design data, supply chain intelligence, and manufacturing services through a single, federated GraphQL schema. If you've ever wanted to connect Altium 365 and Altium Designer data directly into your own systems, this conversation maps out exactly where the technology is heading.

Through two live demos, Rob shows how to query live Octopart supply data—pricing, availability, RoHS compliance, and BOM resolution—then navigates the Platform API down to individual PCB layers, nets, and track coordinates. The discussion also explores API-first design philosophy, why discoverable APIs now matter for AI agents and MCP servers, and the upcoming Altium Developer Center that will open this platform to engineers, enterprises, and third-party developers. Whether you're a procurement professional, a PCB designer, or building AI-enabled tools on top of electronics data, this episode is a clear look at the future of open, programmatic hardware design.

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The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!

About Altium LLC

Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.