ODB++ Translator

The ODB++ translator allows you to import PCB designs using an ODB++ database into a Sonnet project file. ODB ++7.x. and 8.x. databases are supported.

The ODB++ translator only allows you to import ODB++ files or directories; you may not export a Sonnet project to the ODB++ format.

The ODB++ Translator is only available if you have purchased a "Gerber Import - NETEX-G" (gerbermulti) license from Sonnet and you are using a Windows operating system.

Procedure

The following procedure is used to translate ODB++ files and directories to Sonnet project files.

Select File > Import > ODB++ from the Sonnet Session tab menu or Project Editor menu.

The first page of the Import Wizard appears.

Enter the folder and Sonnet project name you wish to be created.

Click the Next button.

The Import Options page appears but is disabled. After a few seconds, two additional windows appear: the Netex-G Window and the NETEX ODB++ Import Window. See the NETEX ODB++ Import Window section below for more details on this window.

In the NETEX ODB++ Import window, click the Open button and browse for the ODB++ file or directory that you wish to translate

This reads the ODB++ files and opens a status window.

Click the OK button to close the status window.

Click the Import button in the ODB++ Import window.

This converts the ODB++ files to Gerber files, closes the ODB++ Import window .and populates the settings of the Netex-G window.

Make any changes to the Netex-G window.

See Netex-G Window in the Gerber Translator topic for information on this window.

in the Netex-G window, click the Import button to import the Gerber files into the Sonnet project.

If any status messages pop up, click OK. Once the translation is complete, the Import Options page of the Import Wizard is enabled. See Import Wizard for details about the options available to you.

Complete using the Import Wizard until your file has been completely imported.

The translated layers appear in your project editor window.

You may now proceed to setting up your project, including adding ports and analysis frequencies. See Basic Polygon Editing, Introduction to Ports, and Analysis Plan Overview.

NETEX ODB++ Import Window

The NETEX ODB++ window allows you to specify and open an ODB++ archive file or directory and populate the Netex-G window in order to import the ODB++ files into a Sonnet project.

  • Input: This section of the window allows you to specify an ODB++ archive file or directory. If you wish to import an ODB++ archive file (.tgz, .tar, .gz, .zip or .tar), you select the File radio button. If you wish to specify a directory that contains the ODB++ files, select the Directory radio button. You may directly edit the Input text entry box or browse using the Open button.
  • File: Select this radio button if you wish to import an ODB++ archive file (.tgz, .tar, .gz, .zip or .tar). You may directly edit the filename in the text entry box below, or use a Browse window to find the file on your system.
  • Directory: Select this radio button if you wish to import an ODB++ directory. You may directly edit the path in the text entry box below, or use a Browse window to find the directory on your system.
  • Open: Click this button to open the ODB++ archive file or directory. Once the file or directory is identified, it is opened. A progress window appears during the open and when it is complete.
  • Preview: Click this button to preview your circuit in the Gerber Viewer. 
  • Import: Clicking this button translates the ODB++ files into Gerber layer and control files. Once the conversion is complete, the Netex-G window is updated with the inputs. Layers appear in the stackup and any drill files are also incorporated. Once this process is done, you then may proceed in the same manner as you would for a Gerber Job File import.