MARLBOROUGH, MA – DownStream Technologies today announced official support of the new IPC-2581 electronics data transfer standard, having signed on as a founding member of the IPC-2581 Consortium in June.

“The time is right to look for a replacement for Gerber as the standard data transfer format in PCB fabrication, assembly and test,” said Rick Almeida, coounder of the PCB post-processing software developer. “We are delighted to join the IPC-2581 effort and look forward to advancing the adoption of this very important, user-driven standard.”

Using multiple data transfer formats to fabricate, assemble and test a PCB is filled with dangers and inconsistencies. IPC-2581 looks to create an open, public and neutral standard, to be adopted by all segments of the PCB supply chain. The Consortium is open to any PCB design/supply chain company that is prepared to adopt their goals and objectives, as well as commit to a roadmap for IPC-2581 adoption.

DownStream has integrated its BluePrint-PCB 3.0 automated documentation tool with IPC-2581 Consortium member Zuken’s CR5000 CAD suite and plans to deliver similar integration to Cadence’s OrCAD and Allegro PCB design tools shortly. “We believe IPC-2581 is the right thing to do especially in relation to the evolution of PCB design, manufacturing and test,” said Almeida. “Technology has exploded since Gerber was first used and we need a new, intelligent format that can be used beyond where Gerber and NC data have traditionally taken us,” he added.

The IPC-2581 Consortium, was founded by a variety of suppliers from across the PCB design/supply chain including Harris, Ericsson, Fujitsu, nVidia, Sanmina-SCI, Adiva, Cadence, DownStream, Zuken and UP Media.