How to Export ODB++ Files from Mentor PADS and Expedition: Complete Guide

Exporting ODB++ files from Mentor PADS and Expedition is straightforward once you understand where the export functions live in each tool. Since Mentor Graphics (now Siemens EDA) developed the ODB++ format through their Valor acquisition, these tools have native ODB++ export capabilities that work reliably with manufacturing CAM systems.

Having worked with both PADS Professional and Xpedition across multiple projects, I have found that the export process differs slightly between product lines but follows similar principles. This guide covers both workflows with practical tips for avoiding common export issues.

Understanding ODB++ in Mentor/Siemens Tools

Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics) owns the ODB++ format through their 2010 acquisition of Valor Computerized Systems. This ownership means their PCB design tools have excellent native ODB++ support without requiring third-party translators.

ODB++ Support Across Product Lines

Product	ODB++ Export	IPC-2581 Export	Notes
PADS Standard	Yes	No	Basic ODB++ output
PADS Standard Plus	Yes	No	Enhanced features
PADS Professional	Yes	Yes	Full CAM output suite
Xpedition	Yes	Yes	Enterprise-level support
BoardStation	Yes (via FabLink)	Limited	Legacy product

PADS Professional and Xpedition share underlying technology, so their export dialogs and options are nearly identical. Standard PADS versions have a simpler export interface with fewer configuration options.

ODB++ Version Support

Version	Features	Compatibility
ODB++ V7	Standard fabrication data	Universal CAM support
ODB++ V8	Enhanced component data	Newer CAM systems
ODB++Design	Extended assembly data	Valor NPI, modern tools

For maximum compatibility, use ODB++ V7 unless your manufacturer specifically requests a newer version. Some users have reported issues with V8 exports on older CAM systems.

Exporting ODB++ from PADS Professional

PADS Professional provides comprehensive ODB++ export through the Output menu.

Preparing for Export

Before generating ODB++ output, complete these preparation steps:

Task	Purpose
Update copper pours	Ensures all plane fills are current
Run DRC	Catches errors before export
Save design	Prevents data loss during export
Verify layer stackup	Confirms correct layer ordering

Run Pour Manager to fill all plane shapes with copper before export. Incomplete pours can cause missing data in the ODB++ output.

Step-by-Step PADS Professional Export

Open your PCB design and navigate to Output → ODB++. The ODB++ Export dialog opens with multiple configuration tabs.

Export Dialog Options

Option	Description	Recommendation
Output Path	Destination folder for ODB++ files	Choose accessible location
Log File Path	Location for export log	Same as output path
Board Outline	Include board boundary	Always enable
Generate Silkscreen Data	Export silkscreen layers	Enable typically
Round Corners	Apply corner rounding	Enable for manufacturability
Part Numbers	Include part number data	Enable for BOM integration
Neutralize Nets	Remove net name data	Keep disabled (critical)
Advanced Packaging Data	Extended package info	Disable unless needed

Critical Warning: Neutralize Nets Option

The “Neutralize Nets” checkbox removes all net information from the exported ODB++ file. This causes significant problems for downstream tools that rely on netlist data for DFM analysis and testing.

Neutralize Nets Setting	Result
Unchecked (correct)	Net names preserved, full connectivity data
Checked (problematic)	Net names removed, connectivity lost

Always verify this option is unchecked before exporting. Multiple engineers have reported losing net information because this option was inadvertently enabled.

ODB++ Version Selection

Setting	Output Format	Use Case
ODB++ V7	Standard format	Maximum compatibility
ODB++ V8	Enhanced format	Modern CAM systems

Select V7 for broad compatibility. Switch to V8 only if your manufacturer specifically requires it or if you need enhanced component attributes.

Non-Shape Drill Options

Option	Behavior
Prefer Drill	Uses drill data when available
Prefer Shape	Uses shape data when available
Merge	Combines both data sources

“Prefer Drill” typically produces the most accurate results for manufacturing.

Running the Export

Click OK to start the export process. The status bar displays progress messages including “Saving database” and “Exporting aic” during the conversion.

For complex designs with many layers or dense component placement, export may take several minutes. Large layer counts (40+) and fine-pitch features (2 mil traces) can extend processing time significantly.

Exporting ODB++ from Xpedition

Xpedition (formerly Expedition) provides ODB++ export through a similar interface with additional enterprise features.

Accessing the Export Function

In Xpedition Layout, navigate to Output → ODB++ to open the export dialog. The interface presents the same core options as PADS Professional.

Xpedition Export Options

Option	Description
Output Path	Destination for ODB++ output
Log File Path	Error and warning log location
Export Options	Data inclusion settings
Advanced Options	Extended configuration

Export Options Details

Setting	Purpose	Recommendation
Board Outline	Export board boundary	Must be selected
Generate Silkscreen Data	Include silk layers	Recommended
Round Corners	Corner treatment	Recommended
Part Numbers	Component part data	Recommended
Neutralize Nets	Remove net names	Must NOT be selected
Advanced Packaging Data	Extended package info	Optional

Advanced Options Configuration

Click Advanced Options to access additional settings:

Advanced Setting	Function
IPC-2581 Output	Generate IPC-2581 alongside ODB++
Layer Mapping	Custom layer assignments
Attribute Export	Component attribute handling

When generating IPC-2581 output, it must be created alongside the ODB++ export in Xpedition. The IPC-2581 file appears in the same output directory as the ODB++ folder.

Saving Export Configuration

Click Apply to save your export settings as defaults for future exports. This ensures consistent output across design revisions.

Exporting from BoardStation via FabLink

Legacy BoardStation users access ODB++ export through the FabLink utility.

Accessing FabLink

In Design Manager, select your PCB design, right-click, and select FabLink. This opens the design in the FabLink CAM preparation environment.

FabLink Export Steps

Step	Action
1	File → Export → to ODB++
2	Check “ASCII geometries”
3	Check “Neutral file”
4	Check “Drill table with format”
5	Click OK
6	Enable “GZIP” option
7	Click OK to generate

FabLink Export Options

Option	Description	Recommendation
ASCII geometries	Text-based geometry data	Enable
Neutral file	Standard neutral format	Enable
Drill table with format	Formatted drill data	Enable
GZIP	Compressed output	Enable

The GZIP option creates a compressed .tgz file that most CAM systems can import directly.

Output File Structure

ODB++ export creates a standardized directory structure:

Folder	Contents
fonts	Text font definitions
input	Source data references
matrix	Layer order and definitions
misc	Job information
steps	Layer data and netlists
symbols	Graphic symbol definitions
user	User-defined attributes

This structure is typically compressed into a single .tgz or .zip archive for transmission to manufacturers.

Output File Naming

Format	Extension	Compatibility
Tar Gzip	.tgz	Preferred by CAM systems
Zip	.zip	Widely compatible
Uncompressed	folder	For inspection/debugging

Verifying ODB++ Output

Always verify exported ODB++ files before sending to manufacturing.

Using ODB++ Viewer

Siemens provides a free ODB++ Viewer for verifying exported data:

Feature	Function
Layer display	View individual layers
Component data	Verify placement information
Net highlighting	Check connectivity
Measurement	Verify dimensions

Download ODB++ Viewer from odbplusplus.com/design/download.

Verification Checklist

Check	What to Verify
Layer count	Matches original design
Board outline	Correct dimensions and shape
Net names	Present (not neutralized)
Component count	All parts included
Drill data	Holes present with correct sizes

Troubleshooting Common Export Issues

Several issues commonly occur during ODB++ export from PADS and Xpedition.

Export Fails with Fatal Error

Cause	Solution
High layer count (40+)	Try exporting in sections
Dense fine-pitch features	Increase processing time allocation
Assembly options defined	Delete assembly options before export
Local language characters	Use ASCII-only filenames and paths

Missing Net Information

Cause	Solution
Neutralize Nets enabled	Uncheck this option and re-export
Incomplete design data	Verify netlist is complete
Export interrupted	Re-run export completely

Large File Size or Long Export Time

Cause	Solution
Uncompressed output	Enable GZIP/TGZ compression
Excessive data	Limit export to required layers
Complex geometry	Allow additional processing time

Version Compatibility Issues

Symptom	Cause	Solution
CAM cannot import	V8 format not supported	Export as V7
Missing attributes	V7 limitations	Upgrade to V8 if supported

Useful Resources

Download Links

Resource	URL
ODB++ Viewer	odbplusplus.com/design/download/odb-viewer
ODB++ Documentation	odbplusplus.com/resources
Siemens EDA Support	support.sw.siemens.com

Documentation Resources

Resource	Description
PADS User Guide	Included with software installation
Xpedition Documentation	Available through Siemens Support
ODB++ Specification	Available from odbplusplus.com

Community Resources

Resource	URL
Siemens EDA Community	community.sw.siemens.com
EDA Board Forums	edaboard.com
PADS User Groups	Various regional groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my exported ODB++ missing all net information?

The most common cause is having the “Neutralize Nets” option checked in the export dialog. This option removes all net names from the exported data, which causes downstream tools to lose connectivity information. Always verify this checkbox is unchecked before exporting. If you have already exported with this option enabled, simply re-export with the option disabled. The net data exists in your design and will be included correctly when the option is unchecked.

Which ODB++ version should I use for manufacturing?

Use ODB++ V7 for maximum compatibility with manufacturing CAM systems. While V8 and ODB++Design offer enhanced features including extended component attributes, not all CAM systems support these newer versions. Some users have reported import failures when submitting V8 files to manufacturers using older Frontline Genesis or other CAM tools. Check with your manufacturer before selecting V8, and default to V7 when in doubt.

Why does my export fail with a fatal error on complex boards?

Complex designs with high layer counts (40+ layers), dense component placement, or fine-pitch features (2 mil traces for fine-pitch BGAs) can cause export failures due to processing limitations. Try these solutions: uncheck the first two export options and select “Prefer Drill” for Non-shape Drill, delete any Assembly Options defined in the design before export, ensure filenames and paths contain only ASCII characters (no special or local language characters), and allow additional time for the export to complete.

Can I generate IPC-2581 output from PADS or Xpedition?

PADS Professional and Xpedition support IPC-2581 export, but it must be generated alongside an ODB++ export. The IPC-2581 file is created automatically when you run the ODB++ export with the appropriate options enabled. PADS Standard and PADS Standard Plus do not include IPC-2581 export capability. The resulting IPC-2581 XML file appears in the same output directory as the ODB++ folder structure.

How do I export from older BoardStation designs?

BoardStation users must access ODB++ export through the FabLink utility rather than directly from the design environment. In Design Manager, right-click your PCB and select FabLink to open the design in the CAM preparation tool. From FabLink, choose File → Export → to ODB++ and configure the export options including ASCII geometries, Neutral file, and Drill table with format. Enable the GZIP option to create a compressed output file that manufacturers can import directly.

ODB++ Export for Specific Manufacturers

Different manufacturers may have specific requirements for ODB++ submissions from PADS and Xpedition.

General Manufacturer Guidelines

Requirement	Recommended Setting
File format	TGZ compressed
ODB++ version	V7 for compatibility
Net data	Neutralize Nets disabled
Board outline	Always include
Silkscreen	Include unless specified

Common Manufacturer Preferences

Manufacturer Type	Typical Requirements
Prototype houses	Standard V7 format, TGZ compression
Volume manufacturers	May accept V8, additional attributes
Assembly houses	Need component data, placement info
Test fixtures	Require complete net data

Always confirm specific requirements with your manufacturer before submitting. Some may have particular preferences for layer naming or attribute formatting.

Comparing ODB++ Export Methods

PADS Professional and Xpedition offer similar but not identical export experiences.

Feature Comparison

Feature	PADS Professional	Xpedition
Direct menu access	Output → ODB++	Output → ODB++
IPC-2581 export	Yes	Yes
Advanced options	Available	Extended options
Batch export	Limited	Full automation
Variant support	Basic	Advanced

When to Use Each Tool

Scenario	Recommended Tool
Single board designs	PADS Professional
Enterprise workflows	Xpedition
Design reuse projects	Xpedition
Rapid prototyping	PADS Professional

Best Practices for ODB++ Export

Following consistent practices ensures reliable exports.

Before Export

Update all copper pours using Pour Manager. Run DRC to verify design integrity. Save your design to prevent data loss. Verify the layer stackup matches your intended board structure.

During Export

Keep “Neutralize Nets” unchecked to preserve connectivity data. Use ODB++ V7 for maximum compatibility unless V8 is specifically required. Enable board outline export for proper boundary definition. Select GZIP or TGZ compression for efficient file transfer.

After Export

Verify output in ODB++ Viewer before sending to manufacturing. Check that net names appear in the exported data. Confirm layer count and board dimensions match your design. Archive the ODB++ output alongside your source design files.

Exporting ODB++ files from Mentor PADS and Expedition provides manufacturers with comprehensive design data in a format they can process efficiently. The native support in these Siemens tools eliminates the need for third-party translators, and careful attention to export settings ensures complete and accurate manufacturing data.