Implement ODB++ export

What about ODB++ Non Disclosure Agreement ?
Is it still needed.

No, anyone can download the spec after free registration without signing an NDA.

Where is the justification for implmenting this when as far as i can tell IPC-2581 has supplanted it. To the point i think anyone putting effort into ODB++ is potentially wasting their time.

Well, if one would be choosing between putting effort in implementing ODB++ export or IPC-2581 export I'd surely say IPC-2581.
But someone may just wish to implement ODB++ for his/her needs (the more output formats is supported the better) so I think it's OK to keep it in the wishlist.

On Thu, Apr 28, 2016 at 09:18:50AM -0000, Artsiom Shchatsko wrote:
> But someone may just wish to implement ODB++ for his/her needs (the more output formats is supported the better) so I think it's OK to keep it in the wishlist.

Wouldn't be a license issue since it requires some kind of
registration/NDA? It would need to be provided as a binary blob (like
proprietary video drivers) which many linking issue (like proprietary
video drivers!)

--
Lorenzo Marcantonio
CZ Srl - Parma

Already answered: ODB++ spec is available at www.odb-sa.com/resources for free to anyone after free non-obliging registration. No NDA needs to be signed.

> Where is the justification for implmenting this when as far as i can tell IPC-2581 has supplanted it.
Looking into this, I see the free ODBViewer can read _both_ ODB++ and IPC-2581, and checking PADS Standard and the new PADS maker, they can both export _both_ ODB++ and IPC-2581, with IPC-2581 a tickbox under the ODB++ menu.

Given this is published and open, but native CAD databases are closed, it seems it would be a good idea for KiCAD to both read and write ODB++/IPC-2581 ?
KiCAD would become a useful ODB++/IPC-2581 editor.

Another benefit of two-way pathways, is testing and regression control are simpler.

I don't know the details of ODB++, but from what I see it could function as a general import format for quite a few PCB programs:

* EEsof EDA
* Altium Designer
* CADSTAR
* CR-5000
* DipTrace
* DesignSpark PCB
* OrCAD
* Pulsonix

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_EDA_software#Comparison_of_EDA_packages

KiCad bug tracker has moved to Gitlab. This report is now available here: https://gitlab.com/kicad/code/kicad/-/issues/2019