Artwork Adds IDF to its ODB++ Translator


July 14,2011

Santa Cruz, CA - Artwork Conversion has upgraded NETEX-ODB, a translator and extractor for ODB++ files by adding IDF output.


odb to idf/anf flow

    What is IDF

    IDF (Intermediate Data Format) was created 20 years ago as a file format that would connect PCB layout tools with 3D mechanical design tools such as SolidWorks, ProEngineer and SDRC. It contains board outline, mouting hole and component footprint information from the PCB and can be imported into 3D tools such as SolidWorks, ProEngineer and SDRC.


    Why IDF

    Only some PCB layout tools export IDF. For users of PCB layout software that does not output IDF but does output ODB++, the NETEX-ODB translator can act as a handy way to get their board information into 3D design tools.


    The heat simluation tool from Ansys, ICEPAK, can now read the Ansoft Neutral format to extract conductor and via information from a PCB layout. However it does not get component location and footprint data from ANF but rather from IDF. So for PCB layout engineers whose software cannot produce both ANF and IDF the ability to use ICEPAK is limited.

    The IDF output for NETEX-ODB is standard when the user specifies ANF output.

    Contact

    Steve DiBartolomeo
    Applications Manager
    831 426-6163
    Steve DiBartolomeo