Layout and ODB++ Control File

ODB++ directories do not contain certain information that is required by SIwave—in particular, material and layer characteristics (e.g., thickness). This information is often available in the original source program (e.g., Mentor Graphics). By specifying an input control file to the ODB++ job that contains the materials and layer information, a usable design export can be obtained. The ODB++ Translator uses a control file that provides stackup information to Ansys Electronics Desktop and other related tools (Expedition from Version 7.9.4 on supports limited export of layer thickness).

The control file is in XML and can be created using standard third party text editors such as Notepad in Microsoft Windows or VI in Linux. The associated XML schema file, "stackup.xsd," is located in the parent installation directory. The schema file can be used with third-party editors or scripting tools that check XML syntax. Specific keywords that are valid to use in the control file can be found in the "stackup.xsd" schema. You are not required to use a control file when importing OBD++ files, however, stackup dimensions and material definitions will not be defined if you do not. If you do choose to use a control file when importing ODB++ files, you can later adjust the stackup either manually or by importing the control file into the design using the stackup window. If you import the control file, the stackup will be modified.

Following is a short example of a control file. The first three lines are heading lines that are required in all control files used with the ODB++ Translator. From the following example, after the heading lines, two other sections are present: one for materials and one for layers.