ODB ++ is a format for data exchange between CAD, CAM and assembly in the development and manufacture of electronic equipment. ODB ++ is, compared to the Gerber format, a fairly new data format that helps preventing many errors and data misinterpretation especially in printed circuit board manufacturing.
Using ODB++ PCB design information can be transfered between design and production, and between design tools of different CAD and CAM vendors. All production data is stored in one single record.
ODB++
We naturally import your ODB++, Gerber-, KiCad-, OrCAD-, Target-, Eagle-, Altium-, IPC-2581-, DPF- and Sprint layout data free of charge!
Benefits
The advantages of ODB++ format are:
- All design data for manufacturing, assembly and testing in one single file
- Supports integrated DFM at all layers
- Minimize supply chain risks related to errors in data transmission
- Reduced communication caused delays between design and manufacturing
- Allows a maximum degree of automation during all phases of circuit board manufacturing
- ODB++ is supported by all major vendors of CAD, CAM and DFM tools
- De facto standard of circuit board manufacturers
- ODB++ contains a complete layer table, which describes the original layer name, the layer type and the order of layers
- In ODB++, unlike in Gerber data, the difference between a pad and a conductor is mostly clear
- Through an attribute system, even fiducials, testing points, etc. can be defined
History
The ODB++ format was originally developed by Valor Computerized Systems Ltd. and was then acquired by Mentor Graphics in 2010, as a job description format for their CAM system. The ODB++ format is today the de facto standard in PCB production.
ODB++ stands for Open Database and is available now in two different versions. The original version (ODB++) now further developed by Mentor and ODB++ (X) which is based on XML structures and is now driven by the IPC standard IPC-2581. Unlike ODB++ IPC-2581 is not yet a widely used format.
