Electrical/Mechanical Design Integration: An Introduction to IDF 4.0 and What it Can Do for You

David J. Kehmeier
Intermedius Design Integration, LLC
Dave.Kehmeier@intermedius.com
408-279-2903

The Intermediate Data Format (IDF) is a specification designed to exchange printed circuit assembly (PCA) data between mechanical design and PCB layout. Initially developed in 1992, the IDF has since become a de facto industry standard, implemented by most CAD vendors and widely used by their customers. A project funded by vendors and end-users, and managed by Intermedius Design Integration, LLC to develop a new version of the IDF is now complete. The new version, IDF 4.0 Revision A, provides significant new capabilities beyond IDF 2.0/3.0. It has a new syntax and data representation, and many new entities. This paper provides an introduction to IDF 4.0 and its capabilities from a user's perspective. It also describes a project for an industry-wide implementation of IDF 4.0 designed to ensure that vendor translators are developed in a consistent and timely manner, enabling industry to quickly and effectively realize the benefits of IDF 4.0.

Bio:
Dave Kehmeier is the co-founder of Intermedius Design Integration, LLC, a company that provides tools and services to CAD vendors and their customers to help them achieve the best possible integration of their product design processes and systems through the effective application of product data exchange and management solutions. Prior to Intermedius, Dave spent nearly 9 years with Mentor Graphics in various management, marketing, and consulting positions, all related to the design, implementation, and integration of PCA design and manufacturing systems. Of particular note, Dave developed the existing IDF and is the industry point of contact for it. In this role, Dave has built relationships with the major ECAD and MCAD suppliers and many of their customers. He has over 15 years' experience in the CAD/CAM/CAE industry, both as a user and a supplier of CAD/CAM/CAE systems.