By adding capability for exporting projects in ODB++ format, Visionics has joined VALOR Open Systems Alliance. Valor (www.valor.com) is the company that developed and formalized ODB++. ODB++ is a CAD/CAM data exchange format available today, capturing all CAD/EDA, assembly and PCB fabrication knowledge in one single, unified database.

Allows importing projects of CAD packages which supports ODB++ formats to EDWinXP. Import of each ODB++ job step consists of three automatically following phases. Three phases are as follows.

1. The program reads EDA part (packages, components and netlist).
2. Geometrical features (positive polarity only) of board layers are imported.
3. The reconstruction of read data into editable EDWinXP database objects (This stage is optional).

The geometrical elements (traces, footprints, and copper areas) in phase 2 is stored as packages in project library, separately for each layer. These packages are placed on the board as components. Since packages can be edited in Library Editor, it is possible to modify PCB design in this way and generate manufacturing outputs.

During reconstruction phase, graphic elements stored in packages are converted into traces, via holes pad stacks and pad stacks for component footprints. The program relies on EDA information imported in phase 1 and their links to individual features. Each successfully converted item is removed from the package. Some of the imported features may be left over in packages after reconstruction because there was no clear information linking them to individual objects (like nets, components or packages). These may still be edited, output or used as templates.

Export Fabrication Manager output to ODB++
The process of exporting project in ODB++ format consists of two stages. EDWinXP project is first exported in ODB++ Gateway format. Subsequently, a third party converter called from EDWinXP in order to translate ODB++ Gateway format into full Job description in ODB++ format.

1. gw2odb_setup_v760.exe (ODB++ Gateway)
   This is self-installing program that setups translator that converts format ODB++ Gateway to ODB++ Job.
2. vuv_setup_v732.exe (Valor Universal Viewer)
   The Valor Universal Viewer supports interactive viewing and navigation of ODB++ formats of the PCB data model.

NB:ODB++ Gateway and Valor Universal Viewer is available from EDWinXP installation CD.