Zuken has extended its OpenDoor agreement with Mentor Graphics by participating as a partner in the recently-formed ODB++ Solutions Alliance.
The ODB++ Solutions Alliance provides a focal point for further technological development and adoption of the data format and comprises both users and solutions-development partners. ODB++ is a single-data structure for transferring PCB designs into fabrication, assembly and test.
Zuken will offer support for the ODB++ format in its CR-5000 and CR-8000 PCB design suites.
Steve Chidester, Zuken Head of International Marketing, says: "We’ve had customers request support for ODB++, so membership of the ODB++ Solutions Alliance will help us to respond to their needs. Zuken will continue in its support of other data formats, such as IPC-2581, and is an active member of the IPC-2581 Consortium."
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| Steve Chidester, Zuken Head of International Marketing |
About the ODB++ Solutions Alliance
The ODB++ Solutions Alliance provides a forum for implementers and supporters of the ODB++ format to share their interest and success with others. Alliance members can exchange information, advice and ideas about the format, including implementation of best practices and their experiences in using the format across the PCB design-through-manufacturing flow. The overall goals of the ODB++ Solutions Alliance are to increase awareness of what is being achieved today with ODB++ in reducing time-to-market, cost and supply-chain risk, and provide the basis for wider adoption by designers and manufacturers so as to maximize the benefits for the PCB engineering community, and further enhancement of the format and its implementation methods in line with technological developments.
Why ODB++?
It solves a well-known problem.
ODB++ 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++ interfaces are generally free of charge, updated from time to time by the CAD/CAM vendor. The format specification is available to end-users and partners via the ODB++ Solutions Alliance.
Global adoption for more than 15 years.
ODB++ 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++ format – what better proof of ODB++’s fitness for practical industrial application?
Supported by the leading CAD/CAM software vendors.
Ever since introduction, ODB++ has been supported by an active community of CAD and CAM tool vendors, via an open, inclusive partnering program. Since Valor, the original organization behind ODB++, became part of Mentor Graphics, ODB++ partnering is now supported by an even stronger organization that is equally dedicated to maximizing the continuing support for ODB++ by as many partners as possible.
Evolving according to the market needs.
ODB++ 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. Currently at revision 7 of the format definition, further enhancements are in the planning stage based on the communicated needs of thousands of users.
