PCB Layout CAD : PCB Settings

ODB++

This a setting for outputting ODB++ files in PCB documents.

ODB++ stands for Open Data Base, and it is a data format for executing PCB design and data exchange among mounting companies.
It covers necessary information exchanged for CAD, CAM, and DFM from PCB design to manufacturing, and it contains more information than a Gerber, so problems due to lack of information or recognition errors will not occur.

The display layer for exported ODB++ files can be set in advance.

For more details about opening the PCB Settings screen, refer to About PCB Settings.

Tab Items Content

Output Layer

Display layer combinations for Export ODB++ can be registered.
The checks on the left toggle between Enabled/Invalid. Uncheck temporarily unnecessary items for exporting.

Output Settings

Export items for exporting ODB++ files can be set.

 


Output Layer

Display layer combinations for Export ODB++ can be registered.
The checks on the left toggle between Enabled/Invalid. Uncheck temporarily unnecessary items for exporting.

Example of Batch List Settings
With TopPattern, only "Electric" of the Top Layer is exported as the display status.
For others such as TopSilk, all can be exported according to the display combination set in the Display Settings.

 


Adding to the Batch List
The following will explain how to add to the Batch List.
(1) Click [Add] on the Batch List.
     
(2) Display the Eye icon for the layers you want to display.
  * Toggle All ON/OFF is convenient.
(3) Set the Batch List "Layer" and "Type".

About Layer and Type

For ODB++, you must set the "Layer" and "Type".
Assign a Physical Layer for Layer.
Select and set a Type from the following Types.

Type List
Types of Types Content

SILK_SCREEN

Silk data layer

SOLDER_PASTE

Paste mask layer

SOLDER_MASK

Solder mask layer

SIGNAL

Signal line layer

POWER_GROUND

Power supply layer

MIXED

Mixed layer with signal lines and power supplies

ROUT

Layer for Board Outlines and boards with large holes

DOCUMENT

Layer for various information

 


Deleting from the Batch List
The following will explain how to delete from the Batch List.
(1) Select the Batch List item that you want to delete.
(2) Click "Delete".

 


Changing Names in the Batch List
The following will explain how to change names in the Batch List.
(1) Select the Batch List item that you want to change.
(2) Right click => Select [Rename].
* Names can also be changed by pressing the "F2" key.

 


Show Output Layers only

When the check for "Show Output Layers only" is removed, all layers will be shown.

When "Show Output Layers only" is checked When "Show Output Layers only" is unchecked

Present Layer Display

The Display Layer that applies to the current design drawing can be applied automatically.
This is convenient because confirmed settings displayed on the screen can be applied as they are.

About Layer and Type Settings

With ODB++ format, it is necessary to distinguish layers such as Top and Bottom, and types such as Silk Screen, Solder Mask, and Solder Paste.
Select the proper Layer and Type from the list.
 


Output Settings

Export contents for exporting ODB++ files can be set.

Item Content

Compress the Output File

Compresses the ODB++ file as a Zip file, and saves it.
* Configure settings according to the environment of the reading side.

Export Component Information

Also exports Mounted Component Information (including coordinates/shapes) in the ODB++.

Output Net Information

Outputs Net Connection information in the ODB++.

 


Executing Export ODB++

There are the following methods for executing Export OBD++.

- Click the "*****" icon of the ODB++ screen of the PCB Settings
- Open a PCB document, [Project] => [ODB++] => [Export ODB++]
- Batch Output

Saving Settings

Settings can be saved and read. For more details, refer to Default Environment.