Whether the customer is from a large or small corporation, military or commercial, the majority of our data comes in RS274X. In theory, ODB++ seems like a good idea. It may take some time for it to actually get into the mainstream where we are. It took RS274X quite a while before it was as widely used as it is today.
As the model for most EDA software these days has been toward proprietary commercial software. Most EDA systems do not translate very well to other EDA systems. That said, there are a few companies that translate EDA files to other formats. Check Router Solutions CAMCAD software for an excellent conversion program http://www.rsi-inc.com/. Or use a service [www.cad2cam.com]. Too bad more designers are not using the open source solution of GEDA. Check http://geda.seul.org. At least this project is trying to use open specifications like GenCAM.
Except for extraordinary circumstances, it is easier, better, cheaper and more reliable, if you have to change between systems, to recapture on the new one from scratch, working from library, through schematic and artwork, to all the manufacturing data files. The only exception I would make to this rule is that, with a few systems, it is possible to import layers from a Gerber file and to recombine them back into an artwork file BUT you will have none of the supporting data such as net names, component data, etc.
reply »