XML tools debut for EDA

XML tools debut for EDA
SONOMA, Calif. — Electronic Tools Co. (E-Tools), which provides many of the EDIF translators sold by EDA vendors, is now preparing XML translators for several popular EDA products. The translators will support EdaXML, an EDA-specific version of XML.

E-Tools will release XML translators for Mentor Graphics' Design Architect and BoardStation; Viewlogic's Powerview and Workview; and Cadence Design Systems' OrCAD Capture 9.10 and Concept Schematic Capture. The company will also offer a free EdaXML viewer, and free syntax and semantic checkers, via the World Wide Web. These free utilities promise to validate all versions of EDIF.

With the translators, E-Tools said, designers will be able to use XML tools for publishing EDA symbols and pc-board footprints in a Web-based, neutral format. This will facilitate design collaboration over the Web using XML servers, and provide interoperability between databases, the company claims.

EdaXML is described in a document that's now available online.