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ODB++ resources
Open DataBase (ODB) is an open format intelligent data exchange that enables a complete PCB design-through-manufacturing digital thread.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the ODB++ 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.
ODB++ 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.
We recommend everyone implement ODB++ as it is the most widely adopted intelligent and comprehensive data exchange format in the PCB industry. Using ODB++ 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++ is certainly an enabler for lean New Product Introduction (NPI).
Virtually all of the PCB CAD and CAM systems in place today support ODB++. A list of software tools vendors that support the ODB++ format can be found on the partners page. If you have a software tools vendor that is not currently supporting ODB++ 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++ format.
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++. So as long as your manufacturer is using reasonably current software they can accept ODB++ files.
Yes, there is a free ODB++ Viewer available on the Siemens web site. Once you have signed up as a user on the website you may download the ODB++ Viewer.
Yes, the ODB++ specifications defines how the content within ODB++ 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++. 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++, depending on how the source tool supports ODB++.
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
Siemens owns the ODB++ 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.
Siemens is committed to maintain and further advance the capabilities available through the ODB++ format based on the industry’s requirements. You can track the progress through the ODB++ 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++ is v8.1.2.
ODB++ 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++ Inside application is available free of charge to registered users of the Siemens website.