The ODB++ format was developed in 1995 by Valor.
This CAD file format was designed to combine all files needed by both PCB manufacturers and assemblers into a single file.
This format wasn’t widely used in previous years.
More than one supplier offered their odb++ converter that wasn’t fully functional (with obvious conversion issues).
Today, the situation has significantly improved, and the odb++ format can be considered an excellent system for integrated and complete management of an electronic project.
The odb++ format is indeed a unified system for managing an electronic board from design to testing.
Mentor, which acquired Valor between 2010 and 2011, has developed a network among partners and users called ODB++ Solutions Alliance.
The objective of this network is very simple:
- to increase the use of this format by developers.
- to improve the conversion system to this format.
- to ensure that more CAD software uses this format.
Mentor’s partners for ODB++ development are numerous. From Assembleon to Zuken (find the complete list here).
Valor odb++ aims to become the universal format in electronic project management in the near future.
