It solves a well-known problem
ODB++Design provides an intelligent, single data-structure for transferring PCB designs into fabrication, assembly and test. All the time and resources wasted in generating complex collections of files of multiple formats and then re-integrating that data at entry to manufacturing is saved by implementing an intelligent ODB++ design-through-manufacturing flow. As well as saving time and money, risks to quality are reduced across the supply chain.
Available to All, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
ODB++Design interfaces are freely available, supported by the leading CAD/CAM vendor. The format specification is available to end-users and partners via ODB++Design Resources.
Global Adoption for More Than 20 Years.
ODB++Design was first introduced in 1995, since when it has been implemented by PCB design and manufacturing organizations both large and small, globally. Every year thousands of PCB designs are processed by thousands of design and manufacturing engineers in ODB++Design format – what better proof of ODB++’s fitness for practical industrial application?
Supported by the Leading CAD/CAM Software Vendors
Ever since introduction, ODB++Design has been supported by an active community of CAD and CAM tool vendors, via an open, inclusive partnering program. Since Valor became part of Mentor Graphics, ODB++Design partnering is now supported by an even stronger organization that is equally dedicated to maximizing the continuing support for ODB++Design by as many partners as possible.
Evolving According to the Market Needs.
ODB++Design was first introduced into the PCB fabrication industry in 1995. Since then it has been enhanced to cover the needs of the PCB assembly industry, with many additional refinements being added along the way. With version 8.1 of the format just published, the format continues to evolve to bring higher levels of value to the PCB fabrication and assembly industry based on the communicated needs of over 40,000 users.
FAQ
ODB++Design implementation
Is the ODB++Design format specification available to everyone?
Yes, the ODB++Design format specification is available free for anyone to download. We ask that you sign up as a user on the website first, but there are no restrictions on who can access the specification.
Is ODB++Design a standard?
ODB++Design is a de facto standard in the printed circuit board industry. It is widely used as a data exchange format and has been since 1995. All of the data exchange formats that have been successful in our industry were de facto standards – Gerber 274X, Excellon, HPGL, DXF and PDF, to name a few. De facto standards are practical, proven and widely adopted by the industry.
Who should implement ODB++Design and why?
We recommend everyone implement ODB++Design as it is the most widely adopted intelligent and comprehensive data exchange format in the PCB industry. Using ODB++Design in place of legacy CAM outputs and drawings typically found in a release package can deliver significant improvements in a company’s Design-to-Manufacturing process. And the manufacturer benefits from a streamlined and clear front-end process, resulting in fewer job holds or misinterpretations of the data package received. ODB++Design is certainly an enabler for lean New Product Introduction (NPI).
Which CAD systems can support ODB++Design output?
Virtually all of the PCB CAD and CAM systems in place today support ODB++Design. A list of software tools vendors that support the ODB++Design format can be found on the Partners page. If you have a software tools vendor that is not currently supporting ODB++Design we would invite them to join us as a Development Partner. As a Development Partner they will receive free technical assistance with any questions or issues they may come across in the development of their application support for the ODB++Design format.
Can all manufacturers accept ODB++Design?
While we can’t vouch for every manufacturer in the world, we can state that any PCB CAM software sold in the past twenty years has the ability to support ODB++Design. So as long as your manufacturer is using reasonably current software they can accept ODB++Design files.
Is there a free viewer available for ODB++Design?
Yes, there is a free ODB++Design Viewer available on the ODB++Design web site. Once you have signed up as a user on the website you may download the ODB++Design Viewer.
Can I control my intellectual property with ODB++Design?
Yes, the ODB++Design specifications defines how the content within ODB++Design can be segmented. For example, a PCB Designer may not want to send the actual net names to their supplier in order to safeguard the PCB’s intent. Net names can be neutralized by the source system and conveyed in ODB++Design. Another example would be a design organization not wanting to send the component layers to the bareboard fabricator. This too, can be controlled in ODB++Design, depending on how the source tool supports ODB++Design.
Are ODB++Design Viewer and ODB++Design Inside vulnerable to the Apache Log4j framework attack?
No. Valor NPI and its sub-products do not use log4j and have no related vulnerability risk.
For more information here is the link to the Valor NPI statement located in the Support Center:
https://support.sw.siemens.com/en-US/knowledge-base/MG618417
ODB++Design Ownership and Maintenance
Who owns the ODB++Design format?
Siemens owns the ODB++Design format. Siemens assumed the stewardship of the format upon the acquisition of Mentor Graphics, who previously acquired Valor Computerized Systems, the original creator of the format.
How will ODB++Design be maintained for the future?
Siemens is committed to maintain and further advance the capabilities available through the ODB++Design format based on the industry’s requirements. You can track the progress through the ODB++Design web site to see how quickly we are enhancing the format’s capability as well as what those enhancements are. The current released version of ODB++Design is v8.1.2.
What is the ODB++Design Inside software?
ODB++Design Inside is application software written by Siemens for users of Cadence Allegro to download. It provides the ability for Allegro users to extract the latest capabilities from Allegro designs so that they get the most out of their PCB Design-to-Manufacturing flow. The ODB++Design Inside application is available free of charge to registered users of the ODB++Design website.
ODB++Design implementation
Is the ODB++Design format specification available to everyone?
Yes, the ODB++Design format specification is available free for anyone to download. We ask that you sign up as a user on the website first, but there are no restrictions on who can access the specification.
Is ODB++Design a standard?
ODB++Design is a de facto standard in the printed circuit board industry. It is widely used as a data exchange format and has been since 1995. All of the data exchange formats that have been successful in our industry were de facto standards – Gerber 274X, Excellon, HPGL, DXF and PDF, to name a few. De facto standards are practical, proven and widely adopted by the industry.
Who should implement ODB++Design and why?
We recommend everyone implement ODB++Design as it is the most widely adopted intelligent and comprehensive data exchange format in the PCB industry. Using ODB++Design in place of legacy CAM outputs and drawings typically found in a release package can deliver significant improvements in a company’s Design-to-Manufacturing process. And the manufacturer benefits from a streamlined and clear front-end process, resulting in fewer job holds or misinterpretations of the data package received. ODB++Design is certainly an enabler for lean New Product Introduction (NPI).
Which CAD systems can support ODB++Design output?
Virtually all of the PCB CAD and CAM systems in place today support ODB++Design. A list of software tools vendors that support the ODB++Design format can be found on the Partners page. If you have a software tools vendor that is not currently supporting ODB++Design we would invite them to join us as a Development Partner. As a Development Partner they will receive free technical assistance with any questions or issues they may come across in the development of their application support for the ODB++Design format.
Can all manufacturers accept ODB++Design?
While we can’t vouch for every manufacturer in the world, we can state that any PCB CAM software sold in the past twenty years has the ability to support ODB++Design. So as long as your manufacturer is using reasonably current software they can accept ODB++Design files.
Is there a free viewer available for ODB++Design?
Yes, there is a free ODB++Design Viewer available on the ODB++Design web site. Once you have signed up as a user on the website you may download the ODB++Design Viewer.
Can I control my intellectual property with ODB++Design?
Yes, the ODB++Design specifications defines how the content within ODB++Design can be segmented. For example, a PCB Designer may not want to send the actual net names to their supplier in order to safeguard the PCB’s intent. Net names can be neutralized by the source system and conveyed in ODB++Design. Another example would be a design organization not wanting to send the component layers to the bareboard fabricator. This too, can be controlled in ODB++Design, depending on how the source tool supports ODB++Design.
ODB++Design Ownership and Maintenance
Who owns the ODB++Design format?
Siemens owns the ODB++Design format. Siemens assumed the stewardship of the format upon the acquisition of Mentor Graphics, who previously acquired Valor Computerized Systems, the original creator of the format.
How will ODB++Design be maintained for the future?
Siemens is committed to maintain and further advance the capabilities available through the ODB++Design format based on the industry’s requirements. You can track the progress through the ODB++Design web site to see how quickly we are enhancing the format’s capability as well as what those enhancements are. The current released version of ODB++Design is v8.1.2.
What is the ODB++Design Inside software?
ODB++Design Inside is application software written by Siemens for users of Cadence Allegro to download. It provides the ability for Allegro users to extract the latest capabilities from Allegro designs so that they get the most out of their PCB Design-to-Manufacturing flow. The ODB++Design Inside application is available free of charge to registered users of the ODB++Design website.
Sign Up
Whether you are a solution-provider, designer or manufacturer, sign up to take action with ODB++Design implementation!