WILSONVILLE, OR -- Mentor Graphics today announced a new group of electronics design software developers and manufacturers dedicated to supporting its ODB++ data transfer format.

The ODB++ Solutions Alliance provides an open forum for implementers and developers of the ODB++ format, an intelligent, single-data structure for transferring printed circuit board (PCB) designs into fabrication, assembly and test. Introduced in 1995 by Valor, ODB++ is a replacement to a traditional range of lower-level files such as Gerber, Excellon, netlist, placement list, and drawings. Mentor acquired Valor last year.

The Alliance is comprised of users and software developers offering access to free software tools, specifications, documentation and continuous improvement to the format and implementation methodologies. Among the 18 companies listed on the ODB++ website are Assembléon, Cadence, Downstream, Easylogix, Frontline, Mentor Graphics, Nagoya Electric Works, Optimum Design, Orbotech, Streamline Circuits, Viasystems Group, Wise Software and Zuken. Membership and access to the Alliance resources are free.

“With full utilization of intelligent ODB++ files, we can greatly reduce the amount of manual time-consuming human interaction and the opportunity for quality errors,” said Kent Balius, vice president of global front-end engineering, Viasystems. “This saves Viasystems time, money and enables faster response to the customer, helping to ensure on-time delivery of a high-quality end product.”

“Members of the Alliance realize the importance of ODB++ as an established open format used globally," said Julian Coates, director of business development at Mentor's Valor division. "We intend to broaden its adoption by sharing best practices via the Alliance and online technical resources made freely available to members. All stakeholders in the PCB design-through-manufacturing world are welcome to join.”