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mnpebm , 03-06-2018, 02:35 PM

I had a vendor for a customer request ODB++, so I produced the file from Altium. Started to wonder if I should use a different output format than standard gerber, assuming of course the fabricator can handle the format.

Does anyone here use either ODB++ or Gerber X2 and if so, why?

General opinions welcome as well.

Thanks,
Mike

robertferanec , 03-07-2018, 08:48 AM

Some PCB manufacturers ask for ODB++, so if they need it, you may need to send them the files. I personally prefer Gerbers, ODB++ may include too much information (including net names). This nets can for example help PCB manufacturer with testing your PCB, however could be also potential risk of reverse engineering of your design - so you need to be careful what you include inside ODB++ files. I am not sure about different formats of Gerbers.

Have a look here https://www.odb-sa.com/wp-content/uploads/ODB_FAQs.pdf :

"
Does ODB++ control the designer’s intellectual property?
This is more of a question of the CAD/CAM tools rather than the format itself.
ODB++ can carry net names, inner layer information, and component data up
to the level you feel appropriate for transmission into manufacturing,
according to how you use your CAD or DFM tool to create and manage the
data. The intention of ODB++ is to give all possible information to
manufacturing, in an intelligent and integrated data-structure, enabling
the most efficient manufacturing.
"

mnpebm , 03-07-2018, 09:02 AM

Thank you Robert. I had read that prior. I trust you and the knowledgeable folks here so I thought I would post.