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Need Help Exporting ODB++ from OrCAD 16.2 Layout – GW2ODB Executable or Alternatives?

Davide98

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out to see if anyone might be able to help with a few legacy tool challenges we’re facing.

We’re currently working with several old PCB designs created in OrCAD Layout 16.2, and we need to export them in ODB++ format. In the past, this was done using the GW2ODB executable that Valor used to provide (specifically: gw2odb_setup_v730.exe). Unfortunately, the original executable seems to be lost and no longer available online or from the original contacts.

We’re looking for help on a few points:

  1. Does anyone still have a copy of the GW2ODB executable? If yes, would you be willing to share it or point us to a safe download location?

  2. What is currently the best way to generate ODB++ output from OrCAD Layout 16.2? The export option is visible in the tool, but the functionality depends on the missing executable.

  3. Is there a reliable workflow or tool for converting .MAX files (Layout) to .BRD (Allegro/PCB Editor) without losing data or design integrity? We'd like to consider migrating the designs to a more modern toolchain if feasible.

Any insights, tools, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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  • Hi David.

    If you have a third party gerber editor like cam350 or gerbtool you could load in your gerbers and then export them as a ODB file. This probably would not have all the data like the pick and place files but the bulk of your design would be there within the ODB file. Perhaps that might be an option for you.

    The max translator within Allegro does a good job of importing the older layout files. Since you have 16.2 layout that actually came with allegro. You could fire up allegro and try the allegro import max file translator on say one of the small layout demo files to get a feel for it. There is also some good help instructions on the translator tab if you click on the help button.

    The least path of resistance would be to keep your older designs in layout. On a new tool chain Orcad / Allegro is a pretty good option. The only other option I can think of is totally abandon ODB and just supply your board manufacturer with the gerbers, drill file etc so the boards can be made.  

    Best Regards.

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  • Hi David.

    If you have a third party gerber editor like cam350 or gerbtool you could load in your gerbers and then export them as a ODB file. This probably would not have all the data like the pick and place files but the bulk of your design would be there within the ODB file. Perhaps that might be an option for you.

    The max translator within Allegro does a good job of importing the older layout files. Since you have 16.2 layout that actually came with allegro. You could fire up allegro and try the allegro import max file translator on say one of the small layout demo files to get a feel for it. There is also some good help instructions on the translator tab if you click on the help button.

    The least path of resistance would be to keep your older designs in layout. On a new tool chain Orcad / Allegro is a pretty good option. The only other option I can think of is totally abandon ODB and just supply your board manufacturer with the gerbers, drill file etc so the boards can be made.  

    Best Regards.

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