Interface for design tools and analysissoftwareRichard BallAn interface between PCB design tools and manufacturing analysis software has beendeveloped by Mentor Graphics and Valor Computerized Systems.
The two-way link will give designers early knowledge of manufacturing problems, wellbefore PCB design is complete, making the whole process more efficient,.
Valor's ODB++ interface is used to link the two worlds, and allows design formanufacturing (DFM) software data to be fed back to board designers.
"Providing designers with direct feedback of DFM analysis results eliminates theinevitable problems that occur when design and manufacturing data are modifiedseparately," said Henry Potts, v-p and general manager of Mentor's systemsdesign division.
Mentor's PCB tools will output data in ODB++ format for analysis by Valor'sEnterprise 3000 software. The interface posts back rules, warnings and errors to thedesigner.
"By creating a bi-directional
ODB++ interface, we can help customers avoidback-end design problems much earlier in the design cycle," said Schmil Dolberg, CEOof Valor.