ODB++
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 the design and manufacturing of electronic devices, 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 database for their CAM system Genesis.[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
ODB++ is a set of files and file folders. For transmission is convenient to use common operating system commands that create a single, compressed file that preserves the folder structure. For example, on Unix tar and gzip commands can be used.[2] One advantage of ODB++(X) is that the database is contained in a single XML file by default.[5]
Access to the ODB++ and ODB++(X) specifications seems to be quite restricted. [7]
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 ODB++."[8] 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): Presently the most popular way of exchanging PCB data.
- 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
- ^ 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) - ^ a b c d "ODB++ Overview". Artwork.com. Artwork Conversion Software Inc. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ "Mentor Graphics Acquires Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd". Mentor.com. Mentor Graphics. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ "IPC Subcommittee 2-16 Product Data Description (Laminar View)". ipc.org. IPC. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ a b "Translators and preprocessors for ODB++". Artwork.com. Artwork Conversion Software Inc. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ 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) - ^ "Join The OpenDoor Program".
- ^ "ODB++ Intelligent data exchange between design and manufacturing" (PDF). Mentor.com. Mentor Graphics. August 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
