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February 2014 • The PCB Magazine 43 SMART DATA TRANSFER FORMATS AUTOMATE CAD/CAM continues To experience the maximum benefits of the Lean NPI process, the designers, NPI engineers, fabricators and assembly manufacturers must all play their part so to avoid discontinuities in the value-chain. CAD, NPI, DFM or CAM pro- cesses must each be able to generate or input ODB++ data that is complete and of maximum intelligence, with NPI functionality that can make automatic use of the integrated data con- tent for minimal human error and maximum process-repeatability. The significant advantages and automa- tion abilities associated with the ODB++ format make it the clear choice for manufacturing data transfer in the future. Fewer errors mean less ex- pense, fewer re-spins, and quicker turnaround on PCB fabrication, assembly and test. The inte- grated DFM data helps ensure that board assem- bly will proceed without any glitches to send the process back to design. Balius wishes that more of his customers would provide intelligent ODB++ files, which would benefit both Viasystems and their cus- tomer. "First, I don't think some customers know how simple it is to generate an intelli- gent ODB++ files with integrated attributes in their design software. Second, I have heard from some customers that they are concerned about sending their IP to the fabricator. In truth, after our data reintegration work with traditional for- mats, we end up with virtually the same exact information as ODB++ and we are not getting the core design-IP from the customer." PCB Julian coates is the director of business development for men- tor Graphics Valor division. Since joining mentor Graphics Valor di- vision in 1994, coates has fulfilled a number of roles including man- aging director of Valor's european subsidiary, followed by product management, marketing and business development. Accurate Signal Loss Management by Real Time with...productronica 2013 martyn Gaudion reviews a successful productronica with lots of interest from Pcb fabricators in europe and the uK. Polar launched atlas, a testing system for accurate signal loss measurement in multi Ghz Pcb fabrication. realtimewith.com CliCk To View vIDeo InTeRvIew