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File:ODB 100x98.jpg
Logo of ODB++ from Mentor Graphics

ODB++ is a CAD-to-CAM data exchange format[1] used in the design and manufacture of electronic devices to exchange printed circuit board design information between design and manufacturing, and between design tools from different EDA/ECAD vendors.[2] It was originally developed by Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd. (subsequently acquired by Mentor Graphics[3]) as the input database for their CAM system.[2] There are two versions of ODB++: the original (controlled by Mentor) and an XML version which is the result of collaboration between Mentor and the IPC organization[4] in an attempt to merge GenCAM (IPC-2511A/B) and ODB++. The XML version is called ODB++(X).[5] ODB stands for open database[6] with a ++ postfix evocative of C++.

File structure

When in use, ODB++ data is stored in a hierarchy of files and file folders. However, for transmission is convenient to use common operating system commands that create a single, compressed file that preserves the hierarchy information. For example, on Unix tar and gzip commands can be used.[2] In ODB++(X), the database is contained in a single XML file by default.[5]


Advocacy

Streamline Circuits claim that manufacturers are adopting it to overcome the limitations of the older Gerber format.[7] DownStream Technologies state that it is the defacto standard for intelligent data exchange in EDA.[8]


EDA tools that support ODB++

EDA tools that support import and/or export of ODB++ include:[9][10] Advanced Design System and EMPro from Agilent's EEsof EDA division; Allegro and ORCAD from Cadence Design Systems; Expedition Enterprise, Board Station, and PADS from Mentor Graphics; CR-5000, CAD-Star, Board Designer, and Visula from Zuken; Protel and PCAD from Altium; various pre-processor and conversions tools from Artwork Conversion Software;[11] products by Frontline[12][13] (a joint venture of Orbotech and Mentor); and EDWinXP from Visionics.

Criticism and controversy

ODB++ is a proprietary format controlled by Valor and now Mentor. Mentor's fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders (and hence to compete against other vendors) is somewhat in conflict with its claim that it "...openly supports inclusion of ODB++ and updates for other EDA tool vendors. You are not required to use Mentor tools to take advantage of the benefits of ODB++."[14] Under pressure from the industry, the process of enhancing ODB++ and in particular ODB++(X) has become somewhat more open in recent years.[2]

See also

  • Gerber format (RS-274X from Ucamco): Despite its age and limitations, presently the most popular way of exchanging PCB data.[7]
  • Electronic Design Interchange Format, EDIF
  • GenCAM: IPC-2511A Generic Requirements for Implementation of Product Manufacturing Description Data and Transfer Methodology, 2000.
  • GenCAM: IPC-2511B Generic Requirements for Implementation of Product Manufacturing Description Data and Transfer XML Schema Methodology, 2002.
  • Offspring: IPC-2581 Generic Requirements for Printed Board Assembly Products Manufacturing Description Data and Transfer Methodology, 2004.
  • STEP AP210: ISO 10303-210, Electronic assembly interconnect and packaging design, first edition 2001, second edition 2008 (to be published)

References

  1. ^ Mike Santarini (1/22/2002 2:33 PM EST). "ODB++ spec tapped for CAD-to-CAM data exchange". EE Times. Retrieved 29 September 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d "ODB++ Overview". Artwork.com. Artwork Conversion Software Inc. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  3. ^ "Mentor Graphics Acquires Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd". Mentor.com. Mentor Graphics. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  4. ^ "IPC Subcommittee 2-16 Product Data Description (Laminar View)". ipc.org. IPC. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  5. ^ a b "Translators and preprocessors for ODB++". Artwork.com. Artwork Conversion Software Inc. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  6. ^ Andy Shaughnessy (10/20/2000 3:25 PM EDT). "Which Data Transfer Format is Best for the Industry?". EE Times. Retrieved 28 September 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b "ODB++" (PDF). Mentor.com. Streamline Circuits. August 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011. Why Stay Stuck in the Past With Low Intelligence Gerber Files?
  8. ^ "ODB++ Interface". Downstreamtech.com. DownStream Technologies. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  9. ^ "PCB tools supporting ODB++". Artwork.com. Artwork Conversion Software Inc. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  10. ^ "ODB++ Data Exchange". Mentor.com. Mentor Graphics. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  11. ^ "ODB++ to Gerber". Artwork.com. Artwork Conversion Software Inc. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  12. ^ "Optimizing Data Exchange between Design and Manufacture". Frontline-pcb.com. Frontline PCB Solutions. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  13. ^ "Orbotech and Mentor Graphics Partner in Frontline PCB Solutions Joint Venture". Electronics Manufacturing Asia magazine. Ten Alps Communications Asia. 23 March 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  14. ^ "ODB++ Intelligent data exchange between design and manufacturing" (PDF). Mentor.com. Mentor Graphics. August 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
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