open database (CAD/CAM) (ODB++)

PCB manufacturing is about data exchange between design and manufacturing and between design tools from different manufacturers. ODB++ (Open Database) is a data exchange format with which design and manufacturing data of printed circuit boards and other electronic devices can be exchanged.

With ODB++, data can be transferred and used from Computer Aided Design( CAD), i.e. for computer-aided development, design and construction tasks, to Computer Aided Manufacturing( CAM), which involves computer support and monitoring of equipment in the manufacturing process. ODB++ files contain all design data for manufacturing, placement, solder masks, component dimensions, layer structure, netlist with test points for testing, parts lists and the circuit diagram. During data transfer, ODB++ minimizes errors in the supply chain and is supported by all major CAD/CAM vendors.

ODB++ files consist of several individual files. These include Gerber files, files for the solder mask, the drill holes for the components and vias, files for fonts and symbols, for solder paths and vias, for component placement and tests.