EDIF-an EDI format for electronic design data

The purpose of the electronic design interchange format (EDIF) is to provide a neutral format for electronic design data from a CAE or CAD system so that transfer of design data between dissimilar system is possible. Many companies now have CAD systems from different vendors and the need for interchange of designs between these is becoming essential for the proper management of company data. The data put into a particular CAD system often represents a major part of a company´s investment in that system. Following considerable demand and interest, and some problems with previous versions of EDIF, version 200 which was published in May 1987, has been adopted as an EIA standard and an ANSI standard. Interfaces to support version 200 are being provided by many of the world´s leading electronics CAD companies