Interfaces and Translators

Sonnet provides robust framework interfaces and translators which allow you to move easily from your preferred design tool into Sonnet and back out of Sonnet to your design tool.

• Keysight ADS Interface: Sonnet’s plug-in for Keysight’s Advanced Design System (ADS) enables the designer to configure and run the EM analysis from a layout, and extract accurate electrical models.
• GDSII Translator: The GDSII translator converts a GDSII file into a Sonnet project. It also supports exporting a Sonnet project to a GDSII file.
• DXF Translator: The DXF translator converts a DXF file into a Sonnet project. It also supports exporting a Sonnet project to a DXF file.
• Gerber Translator: The Gerber translator allows you to import PCB designs using Gerber artwork and drill files into a Sonnet project file. It also supports exporting a Sonnet project file to a Gerber file.
• ODB++ Translator: The ODB++ translator allows you to import ODB++ files or directories.
• Third-party Interfaces and Translators: The Interfaces and Translators web page includes a list of open source EDA framework interfaces and interfaces supported by other vendors.

In addition, Sonnet's Partners web page lists other Sonnet industry partners.

Altium Designer Layouts

Sonnet does not have a direct interface to Altium Designer, which is commonly used for PCB design and layout. Fortunately, Altium Designer has Gerber and DXF layout export capabilities, which can then be imported into Sonnet. Gerber file sharing is the longtime standard in the PCB industry. The Sonnet Gerber Translator performs well, but does come at a significant cost. DXF files are less commonly used in the PCB industry, but they can provide a viable alternative. The Sonnet DXF translator performs well, provided simpler drawing conventions are used, such as using closed polygons to represent metal filled areas. Generally, we advise exporting DXF files from Altium Designer using the older (and simpler) R12 format.