How to Export ODB++ Files from Zuken CR-8000: Complete Guide

Zuken CR-8000 provides comprehensive ODB++ export capabilities across multiple modules within its enterprise PCB design suite. Unlike some EDA tools that require third-party translators, CR-8000 includes native ODB++ output as part of its manufacturing preparation workflow through both Design Force and DFM Center.

Having worked with CR-8000 across various product development environments, the integrated approach to manufacturing output generation represents one of the platform’s key strengths. This guide walks through the complete process of exporting ODB++ files from CR-8000, covering both single board designs and panelized production data.

Understanding CR-8000’s Module Architecture

CR-8000 consists of four core modules, each serving a specific role in the design-through-manufacturing flow. Understanding this architecture helps clarify where ODB++ export fits into your workflow.

CR-8000 Module Overview

Module	Primary Function	ODB++ Capability
System Planner	System-level planning and partitioning	No direct output
Design Gateway	Schematic capture and verification	No direct output
Design Force	PCB layout and analysis	Direct ODB++ export
DFM Center	Manufacturing preparation and output	Full ODB++ export with panelization

Design Force and DFM Center are the two modules capable of generating ODB++ output. Design Force handles single-board exports directly from design data, while DFM Center provides full manufacturing preparation including panelization and extended output options.

DFM Elements vs DFM Center

Feature	DFM Elements	DFM Center
ODB++ output	Yes	Yes
Panel design	Yes	Yes
Manufacturing DRC	Basic ADM client	Full ADM with extended checks
Assembly drawings	Yes	Yes
IPC-2581 output	Yes	Yes
Integration	Same database as Design Force	Extended manufacturing features

DFM Elements is the lighter-weight option that shares the same database as Design Force, while DFM Center provides more comprehensive manufacturing preparation capabilities. Both support ODB++ output.

Exporting ODB++ from Design Force

Design Force allows direct ODB++ export from your PCB design data without requiring an intermediate manufacturing file. This streamlined workflow was introduced in CR-8000 2014, eliminating the previous requirement to first create manufacturing design data (.fpr file) before generating output.

Accessing the ODB++ Export

From within Design Force, access the manufacturing output functions through the File menu or Output ribbon tab. Navigate to the manufacturing output options where ODB++ is listed alongside other supported formats.

Available Output Formats in Design Force

Output Type	Format Options	Description
Photo/Artwork	RS-274D, RS-274X	Gerber format layers
Drill	Excellon2, G81, Hitachi	NC drill files
Assembly	DXF, PDF	Assembly documentation
Intelligent Data	ODB++, IPC-2581	Complete manufacturing packages

Design Force ODB++ Export Options

Setting	Options	Recommendation
Output path	User-specified directory	Dedicated output folder
Compression	Uncompressed, TGZ	TGZ for distribution
Units	mm, inch	Match manufacturer preference
Layer mapping	Automatic, Manual	Automatic for standard stackups

The export dialog presents configuration options for controlling the output format and content. Most settings can remain at defaults for standard designs, but verify layer mapping if your design uses non-standard layer naming.

Step-by-Step Export from Design Force

Open your completed PCB design in Design Force. Before exporting, ensure the design passes DRC and all layer configurations are finalized.

Access the output functions through the File menu structure. Select ODB++ from the available manufacturing output formats.

Configure the output directory and compression settings in the export dialog. Review layer mapping to ensure all design layers map correctly to ODB++ layer types.

Execute the export to generate the ODB++ package. Design Force creates the complete ODB++ directory structure containing all fabrication and assembly data.

Exporting ODB++ from DFM Center

DFM Center provides the most comprehensive ODB++ export capabilities in CR-8000, particularly for panelized production data. This module is designed specifically for manufacturing preparation and output generation.

DFM Center Capabilities

Function	Description
Panelization	Create manufacturing panels from single or multiple board designs
Manufacturing DRC	Apply fabricator-specific design rules
Post-processing	Add manufacturing features like copper flooding
CAM output	Generate ODB++, IPC-2581, Gerber, and drill files
Documentation	Create fabrication and assembly drawings

Panel Design and ODB++ Export

DFM Center excels at generating ODB++ output from panelized designs. Manufacturing panels can contain single or multiple board designs arranged for production efficiency.

Panel Element	ODB++ Handling
Child boards	Individual step data
Panel frame	Separate layer data
Fiducials	Component data
Tooling holes	Drill data
Breakaway tabs	Outline data

DFM Center Export Configuration

Parameter	Description	Options
Data source	Design or panel data	Single board, Manufacturing panel
Output format	File structure type	ODB++ v7, ODB++ v8
Compression	Archive format	None, ZIP, TGZ
Net data	Electrical connectivity	Include, Exclude
Component data	Placement and attributes	Include, Exclude

Configure these parameters based on your manufacturer’s requirements. Most fabricators prefer TGZ-compressed ODB++ with full net and component data included.

Manufacturing Verification Before Export

Check	Purpose	Tool
Layer alignment	Verify registration	DFM Center preview
Panel clearances	Check rail and child spacing	Manufacturing DRC
Drill accuracy	Confirm hole data	Drill report
Net integrity	Validate connectivity	Design comparison

DFM Center’s integration with the Design Force database allows direct comparison between CAM output and source design data, ensuring nothing is lost during the export process.

ODB++ Output Structure from CR-8000

Understanding the ODB++ structure helps verify that exports contain all necessary data for manufacturing.

Standard ODB++ Directory Contents

Folder	Contents
fonts	Text font definitions
input	Original CAD tool information
matrix	Layer definitions and stackup
misc	Auxiliary data files
steps	Board step data with all layers
symbols	Pad and symbol definitions
user	Custom user attributes

Layer Data in CR-8000 ODB++ Export

Layer Type	CR-8000 Source	ODB++ Mapping
Signal	Copper layers	SIGNAL context
Plane	Power/ground planes	SIGNAL context
Solder mask	Mask layers	MASK context
Silkscreen	Legend layers	SILK_SCREEN context
Paste	Solder paste layers	PASTE context
Drill	NC drill data	DRILL context
Board outline	Edge definition	BOARD context

CR-8000 automatically maps design layers to appropriate ODB++ layer types based on the layer configuration in your design.

Configuring Layer Mapping

Proper layer mapping ensures manufacturers correctly interpret your design data.

Default Layer Type Assignments

Design Force Layer Type	ODB++ Layer Type	ODB++ Polarity
Signal (top/inner/bottom)	SIGNAL	POSITIVE
Power plane	SIGNAL	NEGATIVE
Solder mask	SOLDER_MASK	NEGATIVE
Paste mask	PASTE_MASK	POSITIVE
Silkscreen	SILK_SCREEN	POSITIVE
Assembly	DOCUMENT	POSITIVE

Customizing Layer Assignments

Scenario	Action Required
Non-standard layer names	Manual mapping in export dialog
Split planes	Verify polarity settings
Embedded components	Include component layer data
Flex layers	Map coverlay appropriately

If your design uses custom layer naming that differs from CR-8000 defaults, manually verify the layer mapping before export.

Integration with Analysis Tools

CR-8000’s ODB++ export integrates with various third-party analysis and simulation tools.

Supported Analysis Tool Imports

Tool	Vendor	Import Method
ADS Layout	Keysight	Direct ODB++ import
SIwave	ANSYS	EDB flow or ODB++
HyperLynx	Siemens	ODB++ import
Polar Speedstack	Polar Instruments	Layer stackup exchange

The Keysight ADS integration is particularly well-documented, with Zuken and Keysight collaborating on ensuring high-fidelity data transfer for signal integrity analysis.

Data Flow for SI/PI Analysis

Step	Action	Data Format
1	Complete PCB design	CR-8000 native
2	Export manufacturing data	ODB++
3	Import to analysis tool	ODB++ or native link
4	Run SI/PI simulation	Analysis tool native

Verifying ODB++ Output

Always verify ODB++ exports before sending to manufacturing.

Free ODB++ Viewers

Viewer	Source	Features
ODB++ Viewer	Siemens (odbplusplus.com)	Full layer viewing, measurements
ZofzPCB	zofzpcb.com	3D visualization
interCAD Reader	intercad.com	Gerber and ODB++ comparison
Altium PCB Viewer	altium.com	Browser-based viewing

The official ODB++ Viewer from Siemens is free to download and provides comprehensive verification capabilities.

Verification Checklist

Item	Verification Method
Layer count	Compare against design stackup
Board outline	Visual inspection
Drill data	Hole count and size verification
Net names	Netlist comparison
Component placement	Position and rotation check
Polarity	Layer polarity verification

Using ODB++ Viewer for Verification

Download the ODB++ Viewer from odbplusplus.com/design/download/odb-viewer. Import your exported TGZ file and systematically verify each layer matches your design intent.

Troubleshooting Common Export Issues

Several issues can occur during CR-8000 ODB++ export.

Export Failures

Issue	Cause	Solution
Missing layers	Layer not included in output	Check layer selection in export dialog
Empty output	No data in selected scope	Verify design contains data
Permission error	Write access denied	Check output folder permissions
License error	ODB++ module not licensed	Verify license configuration

Data Integrity Issues

Issue	Cause	Solution
Missing nets	Net export disabled	Enable net data in export options
Wrong polarity	Incorrect layer type	Verify layer mapping settings
Missing components	Component export disabled	Include component data in export
Outline problems	Board edge definition	Check outline layer assignment

Comparison with Source Data

DFM Elements uses the same database as Design Force, allowing direct comparison between exported CAM data and source design. Use this capability to identify any discrepancies before releasing data to manufacturing.

Comparing ODB++ and IPC-2581 from CR-8000

CR-8000 supports both ODB++ and IPC-2581 output formats. Understanding the differences helps you choose the appropriate format.

Format Comparison

Aspect	ODB++	IPC-2581
Governance	Siemens (proprietary)	IPC consortium (open)
Industry adoption	Wide CAM support	Growing adoption
File structure	Directory-based	Single XML file
Panel support	Full	Full
Net data	Complete	Complete
Component data	Complete	Complete

When to Use Each Format

Scenario	Recommended Format
Manufacturer requests ODB++	ODB++
Manufacturer requests IPC-2581	IPC-2581
Wire harness integration	IPC-2581 (E3.series compatibility)
Unknown manufacturer preference	ODB++ (wider support)
Open standard requirement	IPC-2581

CR-8000 Design Force and DFM Elements can export IPC-2581 (revB) data from either single board designs or panel data.

Useful Resources

Zuken Documentation

Resource	Description
CR-8000 User Manual	Complete software documentation
DFM Center Guide	Manufacturing output procedures
Zuken Support Portal	Technical support and downloads
Zuken Tech Tips Blog	Practical usage guidance

ODB++ Resources

Resource	URL
ODB++ Viewer Download	odbplusplus.com/design/download/odb-viewer
ODB++ Specification	odbplusplus.com
Siemens ODB++ Portal	eda.sw.siemens.com/en-US/pcb/odb-plus-plus

Third-Party Tools

Tool	Purpose	Source
ZofzPCB	3D ODB++ viewing	zofzpcb.com
interCAD Reader	ODB++ and Gerber comparison	intercad.com
Altium PCB Viewer	Browser-based viewing	altium.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export ODB++ directly from Design Force without DFM Center?

Yes, CR-8000 Design Force supports direct ODB++ export from design data since version 2014. Previously, users had to first create manufacturing design data (.fpr file) before generating ODB++ output, but this requirement was removed. Design Force can now export ODB++ directly, though DFM Center provides additional manufacturing preparation features like panelization and extended DRC checks that may be valuable for production releases.

What ODB++ version does CR-8000 export?

CR-8000 exports ODB++ compatible with the current industry standard versions supported by most CAM systems. The exact version depends on your CR-8000 release, but modern versions support the ODB++ v8.1 specification features. Check your CR-8000 release notes for specific version compatibility information. Most PCB manufacturers can process ODB++ from CR-8000 without issues, though you should verify compatibility with your specific fabricator if you have concerns.

Do I need a separate license for ODB++ export in CR-8000?

ODB++ export capability is included as part of the DFM Elements and DFM Center modules in CR-8000. If you have licensed these manufacturing preparation modules, ODB++ export is available. Contact Zuken or your reseller to verify your license includes the necessary modules if you are unsure about your configuration. Design Force also provides direct ODB++ export capabilities depending on your license configuration.

How do I export ODB++ for a panelized design?

Use DFM Center for panelized ODB++ export. First, create your manufacturing panel in DFM Center by importing single or multiple board designs and arranging them with appropriate spacing, fiducials, and panel features. Run manufacturing DRC to verify panel rules. Then export ODB++ from the completed panel data. The ODB++ output will contain step data for the panel with all child board information preserved, allowing your manufacturer to process the complete panel as designed.

Can manufacturers import CR-8000 ODB++ files into their CAM systems?

Yes, ODB++ is a widely-supported industry standard format that virtually all professional CAM systems can import. CR-8000’s ODB++ export follows the standard specification, ensuring compatibility with systems like Frontline Genesis, CAM350, Ucamco Integr8tor, and others. The format includes complete fabrication and assembly data in a single package, reducing the potential for data interpretation errors compared to traditional Gerber file sets. Always verify with your specific manufacturer that they accept ODB++ if you have not previously submitted in this format.

Best Practices for CR-8000 ODB++ Export

Following consistent practices ensures reliable manufacturing output.

Before Export

Complete all design modifications and freeze the design. Run comprehensive DRC including manufacturing rules if using ADM. Verify layer stackup configuration matches your fabrication specification. Confirm component attributes are complete for assembly data.

During Export

Select appropriate output format (ODB++ or IPC-2581) based on manufacturer requirements. Use TGZ compression for easy distribution. Include full net and component data unless specifically excluded. Verify layer mapping matches your design intent.

After Export

Verify output using ODB++ Viewer before releasing to manufacturing. Compare layer count and board dimensions against design. Check that critical nets appear correctly in the netlist data. Archive ODB++ output alongside your CR-8000 project files for traceability.

Zuken CR-8000’s integrated approach to ODB++ export provides a streamlined path from design to manufacturing, with the shared database between Design Force and DFM Elements ensuring data integrity throughout the process. The combination of direct export capability and comprehensive verification options makes CR-8000 well-suited for enterprise manufacturing workflows requiring reliable, intelligent manufacturing data packages.