View source for ODB++

{{Short description|Proprietary CAD-to-CAM data exchange format}}
{{good article}}
[[File:ODB++ Design file extension logo.png|thumb|ODB++ Design logo from [[Siemens]]]]
'''ODB++''' is a proprietary [[Computer-aided design|CAD]]-to-[[Computer-aided manufacturing|CAM]] data exchange format<ref name="mike2002">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4042914/ODB--spec-tapped-for-CAD-to-CAM-data-exchange
 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130122154623/http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4042914/ODB--spec-tapped-for-CAD-to-CAM-data-exchange
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = January 22, 2013
 | title = ODB++ spec tapped for CAD-to-CAM data exchange
 | first = Mike
 | last = Santarini
 | date = January 22, 2002 
 | access-date = 29 September 2011
 | work = EE Times
}} </ref> used in the design and manufacture of electronic devices. Its purpose is to exchange [[printed circuit board]] design information between design and manufacturing and between design tools from different [[Electronic design automation|EDA/ECAD]] vendors.<ref name="overview"/> It was originally developed by Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd. (acquired in 2010 by [[Mentor Graphics]]<ref name="acquition">{{cite web
 | url=http://www.mentor.com/company/news/valor-acquisition
 | title=Mentor Graphics Acquires Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd.
 | access-date=25 September 2011
 | publisher=Mentor Graphics
 | work=Mentor.com
 | date=18 March 2010
 | archive-date=3 September 2011
 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903180804/http://www.mentor.com/company/news/valor-acquisition
 | url-status=live
 }}</ref> which was later acquired by [[Siemens]] in 2016<ref>{{Cite web|title=Siemens to expand its digital industrial leadership with acquisition of Mentor Graphics|url=https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/our-story/newsroom/siemens-to-expand-its-digital-industrial-leadership-with-acquisition-of-mentor-graphics/91940|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Siemens Digital Industries Software|archive-date=2021-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608203813/https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/our-story/newsroom/siemens-to-expand-its-digital-industrial-leadership-with-acquisition-of-mentor-graphics/91940|url-status=live}}</ref>) as the job description format for their CAM system.<ref name="overview">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.artwork.com/odb++/odb++_overview.htm
 | title = ODB++ Overview
 | access-date = 25 September 2011
 | publisher = Artwork Conversion Software Inc.
 | work = Artwork.com
 | archive-date = 6 December 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111206001044/http://www.artwork.com/odb++/odb++_overview.htm
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref>

ODB stands for open [[database]],<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4152298/Which-Data-Transfer-Format-is-Best-for-the-Industry-
 | title = Which Data Transfer Format is Best for the Industry?
 | author = Andy Shaughnessy
 | date = 2000-10-20 <!-- 3:25 PM EDT --> 
 | work = EE Times
 | access-date = 28 September 2011
}}</ref> but its openness is disputed,<ref name=Goering2011>[http://www.cadence.com/Community/blogs/ii/archive/2011/10/02/ipc-2581-panel-a-spirited-discussion-on-pcb-data-transfer-formats.aspx IPC-2581 Panel: A Spirited Discussion on PCB Data Transfer Formats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508110552/http://www.cadence.com/Community/blogs/ii/archive/2011/10/02/ipc-2581-panel-a-spirited-discussion-on-pcb-data-transfer-formats.aspx |date=2014-05-08 }}, Richard Goering, Cadence Design Systems blog, October 2, 2011 on the panel session "Data Transfer in the 21st Century," PCB West conference, Santa Clara, California, September 29, 2011</ref> as discussed below. The '++' suffix, evocative of [[C++]], was added in 1997 with the addition of component descriptions.<ref name="history">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.pcbstandards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595
 | title = ODB++ / GenCAM Convergence Project
 | work = PCB Standards: Forum
 | date = 2002-06-19
 | access-date = 3 October 2011
 | archive-date = 2012-01-27
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120127052743/http://www.pcbstandards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> There are two versions of ODB++: the original (now controlled by Mentor) and an [[XML]] version called ODB++(X) that Valor developed and donated to the [[IPC (electronics)|IPC]] organization in an attempt to merge GenCAM (IPC-2511) and ODB++ into Offspring (IPC-2581).<ref name="mike2002"/><ref name="ipc2-16">{{Cite web
 | url = http://www.ipc.org/CommitteeDetail.aspx?Committee=2-16
 | title = IPC Subcommittee 2-16 Product Data Description (Laminar View)
 | access-date = 25 September 2011
 | publisher = IPC
 | work = ipc.org
 | archive-date = 17 August 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110817212232/http://www.ipc.org/CommitteeDetail.aspx?Committee=2-16
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref><ref name="mike2000">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4152301/Camps-eye-CAD-CAM-unity
 | title = Camps eye CAD-CAM unity
 | author = Mike Santarini
 | date = 2000-10-20 <!-- 2:51 PM EDT --> 
 | access-date = 2 October 2011
 | work = EE Times
}}</ref><ref name="odbxml">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.artwork.com/odb++/
 | title = Translators and preprocessors for ODB++
 | access-date = 25 September 2011
 | publisher = Artwork Conversion Software Inc.
 | work = Artwork.com
 | archive-date = 2 April 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120402145900/http://www.artwork.com/odb++/
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref>

==Introduction==
Inside almost every electronic device is a [[printed circuit board|PCB]] onto which the semiconductor and other components are mechanically and electrically connected by soldering. These PCBs are designed using a [[computer-aided design]] (CAD) system.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.edac.org/Video/ElectronicsBegins/electronics_begins_en.jsp
 |title       = EDA: Where Electronics Begins
 |work        = edac.org
 |publisher   = [[Electronic Design Automation Consortium]]
 |access-date  = December 18, 2011
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120406144126/http://www.edac.org/Video/ElectronicsBegins/electronics_begins_en.jsp
 |archive-date = April 6, 2012
}}</ref> To physically realize the design, the computerized design information must be transferred to a [[photolithography|photolithographic]] [[computer-aided manufacturing]] (CAM) system.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.pcbexpress.com/technical/tutorial.php
 | title = PCBexpress Printed Circuit Board Tutorial
 | access-date = December 18, 2011
 | work = PCBexpress.com
 | archive-date = May 25, 2013
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130525085447/http://www.pcbexpress.com/technical/tutorial.php
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref>  Since the CAD and CAM systems are generally produced by different companies, they have to agree on a CAD-to-CAM data exchange format to transfer the data. ODB++ is one such [[file format]] for performing this transfer.<ref>{{cite journal
 | url = http://pcdandf.com/cms/designnews/8107-a-short-history-of-electronic-data-formats
 | title = A Short History of Electronic Data Formats
 | publisher = Printed Circuit Design and Fab magazine
 | author = Mike Buetow
 | date = 28 June 2011
 | access-date = December 18, 2011
 | journal = 
 | archive-date = 14 August 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110814100246/http://pcdandf.com/cms/designnews/8107-a-short-history-of-electronic-data-formats
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> Other formats are compared and contrasted below. After the bare board is manufactured, the electronic components are placed and soldered, for example by [[SMT placement equipment]] and [[wave soldering|wave]] or [[reflow soldering]].

== File structure ==

ODB++ can handle all the specifications surrounding a PCB &ndash; i.e. not only the basic dimensions and the layout of conducting layers and drill data, but optionally also material [[stack up]], [[netlist]] with test points, component [[bill of materials]], [[component placement]] and fabrication data.
The data for all these different aspects is stored in a collection of separate files within a specified hierarchy of file folders.<ref>
{{cite web
 | url = http://artwork.com/odb++/odb++_hierarchy_tree.gif
 | title = ODB++ File Hierarchy Tree
 | access-date = 2 October 2011
 | work = artwork.com
 | archive-date = 25 April 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120425013828/http://artwork.com/odb++/odb++_hierarchy_tree.gif
 | url-status = live
}}
</ref>
For simplified archiving and transmission the collection is usually packed in a single archive-file that preserves the file structure, for example using [[tar (computing)|tar]] or [[gzip]] or both.<ref name=overview/>

In ''ODB++(X)'' the data is contained in a single XML file.<ref name=odbxml/>

==History==
Valor was founded in 1992<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=12517486
 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130119030733/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=12517486
 | archive-date = January 19, 2013
 | title = Valor Computerized Systems Incorporated
 | work = businessweek.com
 | access-date = 4 October 2011
 | url-status = dead
 }}</ref> and it released ODB in 1995. It added the ++ suffix when component names were added in 1997. The XML version was developed beginning 2000,<ref name="history"/> and ended in 2008 with the donation to IPC.<ref name="coates"/> Valor was acquired by Mentor in 2010.<ref name="acquition"/>

The ODB++ data format was expanded in 2020<ref>{{Cite web|last=Editors|first=D. E.|date=2020-05-19|title=Siemens Expands ODB Data Exchange Format|url=https://www.digitalengineering247.com/article/siemens-expands-odb-data-exchange-format|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Digital Engineering|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608203815/https://www.digitalengineering247.com/article/siemens-expands-odb-data-exchange-format|url-status=live}}</ref> and was designed to facilitate communication between designer and manufacturer by use of a digital twin. The format was renamed the ODB++ Family and was split into three connected format uses.

* '''ODB++Design:''' Created using typical [[Electronic design automation|EDA software]], used for design for manufacturing, fabrication, test and assembly analysis (DFx), as well as being the single carrier of design data to electronics assembly and fabrication.
* '''ODB++Process:''' A transitional format for conversion of design data into files for use at any production machine or workstation.
* '''ODB++Manufacturing:''' A format for manufacturing floor events, with communication capabilities between machines and Smart Industry 4.0 software solutions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Siemens Expands ODB Data Exchange Format and Adds Electronics Manufacturing Information Flow To Digital Twin|url=https://www.arcweb.com/blog/siemens-expands-odb-data-exchange-format-adds-electronics-manufacturing-information-flow|access-date=2021-06-08|website=ARC Advisory Group|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608203814/https://www.arcweb.com/blog/siemens-expands-odb-data-exchange-format-adds-electronics-manufacturing-information-flow|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Adoption==
In the late 1990s it became clear to industry participants that a second-generation data transfer format would be more efficient than prevalent [[Gerber format]], which was a first generation format at that time.<ref name="mike2000"/> However, it was very difficult to reach a consensus over which of two candidates should be selected:
# ODB++: proven but proprietary
# IPC-2511 ''GenCAM'': not widely used but open
In 2002, a compromise format, ODB++(X), was recommended by National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (NEMI; an industry body, subsequently renamed International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative, iNEMI) after a two-year mediation effort between the GenCAM and ODB++ camps. Companies that supported the recommendation at the time included [[Cadence Design Systems|Cadence]], [[Hewlett-Packard]], [[Lucent]], [[Schindler & Schill GmbH|Easylogix]], Mentor (which acquired Valor some eight years later), [[Nokia]] and [[Xerox]].<ref name="mike2002"/> But in fact adoption to date has been minimal.<ref name="coates"/> As a result, and as detailed below, the industry is still divided. Late 2014 Gerber X2 was introduced which added attributes ("intelligence") to the Gerber format in a compatible way, converting Gerber to a second generation format.<ref name="X2 FAQ">{{cite web|title=Gerber version 2 FAQ|url=http://www.ucamco.com/files/downloads/file/125/the_gerber_file_format_version_2_faq.pdf|access-date=3 December 2016|work=ucamco|publisher=Ucamco|archive-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506170457/https://www.ucamco.com/files/downloads/file/125/the_gerber_file_format_version_2_faq.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Advocacy===
Lists of EDA tools that support import and/or export of ODB++ have been compiled by Artwork Conversion Software,<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.artwork.com/odb++/pcb_tools_supporting_odb.htm
 | title = PCB tools supporting ODB++
 | access-date = 25 September 2011
 | publisher = Artwork Conversion Software Inc.
 | work = Artwork.com
 | archive-date = 29 May 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120529224543/http://www.artwork.com/odb++/pcb_tools_supporting_odb.htm
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> Mentor itself,<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-system-design/odb-data-exchange
 |title       = ODB++ Data Exchange
 |access-date  = 25 September 2011
 |publisher   = Mentor Graphics
 |work        = Mentor.com
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20121006175726/http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-system-design/odb-data-exchange
 |archive-date = 6 October 2012
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.odb-sa.com/partners/
 | title = ODB++ Solutions Alliance: Partners
 | access-date = February 28, 2012
 | archive-date = April 30, 2014
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140430145123/http://www.odb-sa.com/partners/
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> and on the [[Comparison of EDA software#Comparison of EDA packages|Comparison of EDA packages]] table.
Some companies that have adopted the ODB++ format are advocates for its use. Streamline Circuits reports that ODB++ provides much greater efficiency than the competing Gerber format, stating that "an 8-layer printed circuit board can take up to 5 hours to plan and tool using Gerber and only 1 hour when using ODB++." According to Streamline, manufacturers are adopting it to overcome the limitations of the simpler Gerber format.<ref name="streamline">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-system-design/upload/streamline-circuits-ss.pdf
 | title = ODB++
 | access-date = 25 September 2011
 | publisher = Streamline Circuits
 | work = Mentor.com
 | date = August 2011
 | quote = Why Stay Stuck in the Past With Low Intelligence Gerber Files?
 | archive-date = 2 April 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120402031520/http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-system-design/upload/streamline-circuits-ss.pdf
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> DownStream Technologies calls ODB++ "the defacto standard for intelligent data exchange in EDA"<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.downstreamtech.com/cam350/ODB-interface.html
 | title = ODB++ Interface
 | access-date = 25 September 2011
 | publisher = DownStream Technologies
 | work = Downstreamtech.com
 | archive-date = 22 October 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111022005750/http://www.downstreamtech.com/cam350/ODB-interface.html
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> In 2002, Dana Korf of Sanmina/SCI called ODB++ "the prevalent non-Gerber format."<ref name="mike2002"/>
Kent Balius of Viasystems, states of ODB++ "...really we don’t need anything else."<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.frontline-pcb.com/category/ODBResources
 | title = ODB++ Users' Testimonials
 | access-date = February 27, 2013
 | work = frontline-pcb.com
 | archive-date = February 17, 2013
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130217050130/http://www.frontline-pcb.com/category/ODBResources
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref>

===Criticism===

====Concerns====
ODB++ is a proprietary format controlled by Valor later Mentor and now Siemens, and so, like all proprietary standards, it comes with the risk of [[vendor lock-in]]. CAD companies had some concerns about this when ODB++ was controlled by Valor, a CAM company, but these concerns were magnified when a rival CAD company, Mentor, acquired Valor.<ref name="coates"/> Although Mentor claims that it <blockquote>''"...openly supports inclusion of ODB++ and updates for other EDA tool vendors,"''<ref>{{cite web
 | url=http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-system-design/upload/odb-plus-plus-ds.pdf
 | title=ODB++ Intelligent data exchange between design and manufacturing
 | access-date=25 September 2011
 | publisher=Mentor Graphics
 | work=Mentor.com
 | date=August 2011
 | archive-date=2 April 2012
 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402031437/http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-system-design/upload/odb-plus-plus-ds.pdf
 | url-status=live
 }}</ref></blockquote>it used to restrict access to the specification<ref name="opendoor">{{cite web
 |publisher=Mentor Graphics
 |url=http://www.mentor.com/products/request?&fmpath=/company/partner_programs/opendoor/join
 |access-date=30 September 2011
 |title=Online application form for OpenDoor Program to obtain access to specifications
 |archive-date=7 November 2021
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107133839/https://resources.sw.siemens.com/en-US/contact-eda?fmpath=%2Fcompany%2Fpartner_programs%2Fopendoor%2Fjoin
 |url-status=live
 }}</ref> and required a [[non-disclosure agreement]].<ref name="overview" /> The application form used to include a requirement to: <blockquote>''"...Demonstrate a customer need for this integration through references from mutual customers. Provide a recommendation from a Mentor Graphics product division or demonstrate the incremental value of this integration to both Mentor Graphics and the partner company."'' </blockquote>Some direct competitors inferred this meant restricted access. This was a source of frustration not only for competitors<ref name="coates" /> but also for the Mentor user community.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://communities.mentor.com/mgcx/message/24010
 | title = Why Mentor(Valor) doesn't publish ODB++ spec in public?
 | author = Yu Yanfeng
 | work = communities.mentor.com
 | access-date = 2011-11-04
 | date = January 15, 2011
 | archive-date = 2011-08-08
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110808143849/http://communities.mentor.com/mgcx/message/24010
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref>

In 2012, Julian Coates, director of business development at Mentor's Valor division claimed that, so far, all ODB++ partners, including competitors to Mentor, who have applied for assistance to build and maintain ODB++ interfaces via the ODB++ Solutions Alliance have been accepted without reservation or cost.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://signal-integrity.tm.agilent.com/2012/o-is-for/#comments
 | title = Comment on O is for...?
 | author = Julian Coates, director of business development at Mentor's Valor division
 | date = March 4, 2012
 | access-date = March 20, 2012
 | archive-date = March 8, 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120308140715/http://signal-integrity.tm.agilent.com/2012/o-is-for/#comments
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> In addition, the format specification of v7, an older version, is now openly available without the need for NDA.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://omlcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/ODB_Format_Description_v7.pdf
 | title = ODB++ SPECIFICATION Version 7.0
 | date = December 2010
 | publisher = Mentor Graphics
 | access-date = 2021-05-11
 | archive-date = 2021-05-11
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210511212409/http://omlcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/ODB_Format_Description_v7.pdf
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> Membership of the ODB++ Solutions Alliance is free of charge and open to anybody who registers. A no-charge ODB++ Viewer and other software utilities are available to registrants.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.odb-sa.com/resources/ |title=Resources &#124; ODB++ Solutions Alliance |access-date=2012-04-27 |archive-date=2014-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430145130/http://www.odb-sa.com/resources/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Lack of need====
[[Ucamco]], the developers of the [[Gerber format]], argue that the prevalent Gerber-based flow (with some additions) is as complete and efficient as ODB++.<ref name="tavernier">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.hkpca.org/uploadfileMgnt/0_20134189127.pdf
 | title = Improving CAD to CAM Data Transfer: A Practical Approach
 | author = Karel Tavernier, Ucamco
 | work = Journal of the HKPCA, Issue No.40
 | date = 2011
 | issue = 2011/2Q
 | access-date = 2 October 2011
 | archive-date = 20 December 2016
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161220042957/http://www.hkpca.org/uploadfileMgnt/0_20134189127.pdf
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref><ref name="tavernier2">{{cite web
 |url=https://www.ucamco.com/files/downloads/file/22/Kick_Starting_a_Revolution_IPC-2581_Meets_Gerber.pdf?73de4c63d3e6e0928805488bba0ba7b5
 |title=Kick-Starting a Revolution
 |author=Karel Tavernier
 |work=PCB Design Magazine
 |issue=January 2013
 |date=January 2013
 |access-date=19 February 2013
 |archive-date=7 November 2021
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107133902/https://www.ucamco.com/files/downloads/file_en/22/kick-starting-a-revolution-ipc-2581-meets-gerber_en.pdf?6f1ad339fbbb654d75d8b25bc426d2c3
 |url-status=live
 }}</ref> These additions were introduced in Gerber X2, which added attributes to classical Extended Gerber.<ref name="X2 FAQ" /> Standard attributes allow to define the layer structure, pad functions and CAD netlist.
<ref name="GerberSpec">{{cite web|url=http://www.ucamco.com/en/downloads|title=The Gerber File Format Specification|publisher=Ucamco|date=November 2016|access-date=11 November 2016|archive-date=13 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313050225/https://www.ucamco.com/en/downloads|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Alternatives ==
Critics of the proprietary nature of ODB++ point to several more open formats as models for a future consensus format:
* [[Gerber format|Gerber Format]]: Nominally proprietary to Ucamco, like ODB++ is also a proprietary format.<ref name="X2 FAQ"/>
* IPC-2511 ("''GenCAM''")<ref name="ipc2-14">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.ipc.org/CommitteeDetail.aspx?Committee=2-14
 | title = Product Data Description (Hierarchical View) Subcommittee
 | access-date = 2 October 2011
 | publisher = IPC
 | work = ipc.org
 | archive-date = 17 August 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110817212145/http://www.ipc.org/CommitteeDetail.aspx?Committee=2-14
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> which resulted from a donation of certain technologies by Teradyne/GenRAD to IPC.<ref name="mike2002"/>
* IPC-2581 ("''Offspring''")<ref name="ipc2-16"/><ref name="offspring">{{cite web
 | url = http://www.ipc2581.com
 | title = IPC-2581 Consortium
 | access-date = 1 October 2011
 | work = ipc2581.com
 | quote = ...but it does not transfer stackup data, materials, design intent or netlist.
 | archive-date = 14 January 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120114140758/http://www.ipc2581.com/
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> an attempt to merge GenCAM with ODB++(X).<ref>{{cite web
 | title = The Key to the Electronics Lifecycle: Open industry standards will go a long way toward increasing quality and lowering cost
 | author = Richard Kubin and Barbara Goldstein
 | work = APICS Magazine
 | date = November–December 2003
 }}</ref> In 2011, an industry consortium was created to support it, motivated in part by frustration with the proprietary nature of ODB++.<ref name="offspring"/> [[Cadence Design Systems]], [[Zuken]],<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://pcdandf.com/cms/component/content/article/171-current-issue/8197-cover-story
 | title = Equipping the PCB Design and Supply Chain with 21st Century Data
 | work = Printed Circuit Design and Fab magazine
 | author = Keith Felton and Hemant Shah, Cadence Design Systems
 | date = 28 July 2011
 | access-date = 3 October 2011
 | archive-date = 14 August 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110814102703/http://pcdandf.com/cms/component/content/article/171-current-issue/8197-cover-story
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> Artwork Conversion Software<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.artwork.com/press_rl/ipc2581_announcement.htm
 | title = Artwork Conversion Software Joins IPC2581 Consortium
 | publisher = Artwork Conversion Software
 | date = October 1, 2011
 | access-date = October 4, 2011
 | archive-date = April 2, 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120402145912/http://www.artwork.com/press_rl/ipc2581_announcement.htm
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> and the owners of Gerber format, Ucamco, joined it,<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/newly-created-industrywide-ipc-2581-consortium-adds-key-new-members-consortium-is-focused-1565708.htm
 | title = Newly Created Industrywide IPC-2581 Consortium Adds Key New Members; Consortium Is Focused on Driving IPC-2581 Adoption Across PCB Design & Supply Chain
 | date = September 27, 2011
 | access-date = April 4, 2012
 | work = MarketWire
 | author = IPC-2581 Consortium press office
 | archive-date = November 7, 2021
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211107133925/https://www.notified.com/GNW-PR/press-release-distribution
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://pcdandf.com/cms/designnews/8345-ipc-2581-consortium-adds-ucamco-aegis
 | title = IPC-2581 Consortium Adds Ucamco, Aegis
 | work = Printed Circuit Design and Fab magazine
 | author = Mike Buetow
 | date = 28 September 2011
 | access-date = 3 October 2011
 | archive-date = 3 October 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111003060852/http://pcdandf.com/cms/designnews/8345-ipc-2581-consortium-adds-ucamco-aegis
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110705120048/http://pcdandf.com/cms/designnews/8103-users-updating-adopting-ipc-data-transfer-spec- Users Updating, Adopting IPC Data Transfer Spec], ''Printed Circuit Design and Fab'' magazine, Mike Buetow, 24 June 2011</ref> but, initially, not Mentor.<ref name="coates">{{cite web
 | url = http://pcdandf.com/cms/component/content/article/237-2011-issues/8111-mentors-coates-our-strategy-is-based-around-odb
 | title = Mentor's Coates: 'Our Strategy is Based Around ODB++'
 | work = Printed Circuit Design and Fab magazine
 | author = Mike Buetow interview with Julian Coates of Mentor Graphics
 | date = 29 June 2011
 | access-date = 3 October 2011
 | quote = The XML [version of ODB++] went end-of-life a few years ago in the days of Valor, after being handed over to the IPC to be used as the basis for IPC-2581.
 | archive-date = 8 March 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120308134607/http://pcdandf.com/cms/component/content/article/237-2011-issues/8111-mentors-coates-our-strategy-is-based-around-odb
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> However, in 2012, Mentor did join.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://pcdandf.com/cms/designnews/8879-mentor-to-support-ipc-2581
 | title = Mentor to Support IPC-2581
 | date = 23 March 2012
 | access-date = March 25, 2012
 | first = Mike
 | last = Buetow
 | work = Printed Circuit Design and Fab
 | archive-date = 9 April 2012
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120409144512/http://pcdandf.com/cms/designnews/8879-mentor-to-support-ipc-2581
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> This, combined with the 2012 announcement by Zuken that it would join the ODB++ Solutions Alliance,<ref>{{cite web
 | url = https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zuken.co.jp%2Finfo%2Fdetail%2Fodb_solutions_alliance.php
 | title = Google Translate machine translation of Zuken is Participating in the ODB++ Solutions Alliance" - Plan to officially support ODB++ format in CR-5000 & CR-8000
 | date = February 29, 2012
 | access-date = November 13, 2016
 | archive-date = November 7, 2021
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211107133913/https://www-zuken-co-jp.translate.goog/news/odb_solutions_alliance/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=nui
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> creates the possibility that PCB designers will have a choice of format no matter which EDA tool they choose.
* [[OpenAccess]], which resulted from a transfer of certain technologies by Cadence to the Si2 organization.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.si2.org/?page=76#7
 | title = FAQ 7: What is the history of OpenAccess?
 | work = Si2.org
 | access-date = 2 October 2011
 | archive-date = 10 November 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111110204409/http://www.si2.org/?page=76#7
 | url-status = dead
 }}</ref> Although it was originally designed for [[integrated circuit]]s, it is now finding application for IC package and PCB design also.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://si2.org/oac_members_list.php
 | title = Si2 OA Coalition Members
 | work = Si2.org
 | access-date = 2 October 2011
 | archive-date = 6 November 2011
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111106090758/http://www.si2.org/oac_members_list.php
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref>
* JPCA-EB02 ("''Fujiko''")<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.jpca.net/jp/e/standards.html
 |title       = JPCA Standards
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20111113072659/http://www.jpca.net/jp/e/standards.html
 |archive-date = 2011-11-13
}}</ref> based on work by Prof. Tomokage of Fukuoka University.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.zuken.co.jp/club_Z/z/feature/f04/03/f_110929_2.html
 | work = zuken.co.jp
 | title = FUJIKO for board design
 | language = ja
 | access-date = 2011-11-07
 | archive-date = 2012-04-25
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120425145045/http://www.zuken.co.jp/club_Z/z/feature/f04/03/f_110929_2.html
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref>
* [[EDIF]] - Electronic Design Interchange Format

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.odb-sa.com/ ODB++ Solutions Alliance], domain registered by Mentor Graphics

{{Graphics file formats}}

[[Category:Computer file formats]]
[[Category:EDA file formats]]
[[Category:Printed circuit board manufacturing]]
[[Category:Graphics file formats]]