Altium scary export: ODB++ and GerberX2 are different :(

[frogblender]

I'm running the project releaser on Altium 21.5.1, and it outputs both ODB  and GerberX2.

But the ODB is missing some via pads (see attached).

Any ideas why?     This is worrisome.....

[Pseudobyte]

I've had issues with certain gerber viewers displaying ODB++ incorrectly, namely ViewMate.

[frogblender]

I've had issues with certain gerber viewers displaying ODB++ incorrectly, namely ViewMate.

In my case it is the odb++ at fault;  the viewer seems fine (I'm using is the Mentor aka Valor aka Siemens free odb++ view;   I am too cheap to spring for the Viewmate version which can view odb++)

[Gribo]

The free version of Pentalogix Viewmate opens ODB++

[frogblender]

The free version of Pentalogix Viewmate opens ODB++

Are you sure?   This page seems to indicate the odb++ version is $95:  https://www.pentalogix.com/t/software-products/viewmate

[Gribo]

My older version imports ODB++, and I didn't pay for it.  I just downloaded the latest and greatest to verify, and it can still import ODB++, regardless of their website.

[ANTALIFE]

Just to make sure the export is at fault, do you get the same error in DFM Now?

https://www.numericalinnovations.com/pages/dfm-now-free-gerber-viewer

[JohnG]

It's a good idea to check a different viewer. My company also generates ODB++ files, since one of our PCB fabs likes them, and because we import them into COMSOL. Have not had a problem yet, though most of us are on Altium 19 or 20, because upgrading Altium is like rolling dice to see what's "improved".

John

[frogblender]

It's a good idea to check a different viewer. My company also generates ODB++ files, since one of our PCB fabs likes them, and because we import them into COMSOL. Have not had a problem yet, though most of us are on Altium 19 or 20, because upgrading Altium is like rolling dice to see what's "improved".

John

Exactly:   ODB export worked on Altium20, and nows fails on Altium21.

[JohnG]

Thanks for posting. That is a serious bug and I will pass this info along.

Man, KiCAD is sooo close...  But we have a database library, so it's a non-starter for us.

John