Let me immediately dispel a rumor I heard this week. The rumor was that Siemens/Mentor intends to take the ODB++ format private or charge for it. As the manager of the ODB++ Solutions Alliance, I can state that rumor is absolutely false. There has been no discussion along those lines, nor could I imagine we … Continue reading
We recently conducted a worldwide survey to understand what PCB data formats are used in the industry today. Not surprisingly, Gerber 274X format is still the most widely used for PCB data exchange. However, the second most widely used data format (and by far the most widely used intelligent data format) is ODB++. 48.7% of … Continue reading
I am happy to announce a couple of ODB++ Solutions Alliance milestones! Recent updates to the ODB++ Solutions Alliance website make it much easier to navigate. The layout has been streamlined and the materials on the resources page have been updated. Furthermore, the free ODB++ Viewer has been updated to version 9.6. Now all ODB++ … Continue reading
It seems obvious to measure a project, but, I have to say, in my many years in the PCB design and manufacturing industry, we don’t measure our decisions very often. Before making a decision or investment, we typically make an assessment of our current state and we frequently project our expected return and benefits in … Continue reading
In my first blog post, I asked you to stay tuned for some upcoming news about the ODB++ data model and I’m happy to report the recent announcement of ODB++ v8.1 specification release. This release is significant in terms of the content it adds to the ODB++ data model. Among the enhancements are: • Characterization … Continue reading
Hello, ODB++ universe! I say hello but I have known many of you for years. My name is Patrick McGoff and I have the pleasure of taking the baton as the steward of the ODB++ Solutions Alliance that my friend and colleague, Julian Coates, has handed me. I have been in the PCB industry since … Continue reading
This is to let you all know that after 30 years in the world of PCBs I have decided to move on to a new software venture in the electronics industry. Still connected to PCBs but less directly. The development and support of ODB++ has been a mission of great importance to me personally because … Continue reading
An interesting piece of editorial flashed across my screen this morning, from a PCB fabricator explaining why intelligent formats such as ODB++ are better for everybody as compared to Gerber (meaning not just the late-lamented RS274D, but also the latest derivatives). Take a look:- http://www.pcdandf.com/pcdesign/index.php/editorial/menu-features/9464-a-new-generation-of-data-formats-for-pcb-production Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Mr Kaufhold’s message is … Continue reading
With the Lean NPI workflow built on top of ODB++ for product-model hand-off to manufacturing, it is worth noting that the most intensively read article in PCB Design and Fabrication magazine last year was on the subject of Lean NPI, contributed by our Best Practice Partner :- Optimum Design Associates. See the report at http://pcdandf.com/cms/designnews/10575-readers-choice-top-10-articles-of-2013 … Continue reading
Just want to notify everyone that there is an updated version of the ODB++ v8 specification document on the resources page – Update 2. The changes are very minor, mainly improvements to clarity. See page-9 of the document for an overview of the changes. Let us know if you see anything that needs clarification!
