Learning Forum

[shivam.mehar012]

Hello Community,

I am attempting to perform a Conducted Emission (CE) simulation in Ansys HFSS 3D Layout for a specific EVM board using ODB++ files provided by the manufacturer. I am encountering difficulties with both ODB++ and Gerber import attempts, which result in an empty design or specific error messages.

Issues Encountered:

1. ODB++ Import Failure:
   • File Format: .tgz archive.
   • Error Messages received:
     • Anstranslator failed to generate initial import configuration (control file).
     • Control File Translation: Translating ODB++ directory... input file decompressed into a differently named directory. (This warning seems minor but I included it just in case).
   • Result: The import fails to create a usable 3D layout automatically.
2. Gerber Import Failure (when selecting ODB++ file (i.e .tgz/.zip file format) under Gerber import):
   • Error Message received:
     • Gerber Translation: No Valid Signal Layers. Creating Empty Design.
   • Cause (identified through troubleshooting): The automatic layer mapping within the translator is unable to determine which files correspond to valid signal or ground layers, leading to a blank canvas.
      
      

     Any guidance on how to get past this import hurdle would be greatly appreciated.

     Thank you!

[Takeshi Itadani]

What ECAD software output the ODB++ file? The ECAD data supported by HFSS 3D Layout is shown in the image below. Are you using an ECAD software that supports ODB++ data?
Also, Gerber data is manufacturing data and is not suitable for simulation, so we do not recommend using it.