Development of an Electrical Data Exchange Interface based on STEP AP212

This paper describes the joint development of a data model exchange interface based on STEP AP212 to support the flow of electrical data through the design process - specifically between the Mentor Graphics CHS (ECAD) system and the UGS NX3 (MCAD) system. The reasons for selecting AP212 in preference to the AP210 and KBL data exchange protocols are discussed. The scope of the interface is discussed, and examples are presented of the translation of real-world electrical objects into the AP212 data model. The definition of the exchange file format is described, with examples, and the reasoning behind its design is discussed.