Mentor Graphics Pads Version - History

| | Cons | |---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Long file backward compatibility (PADS 9.x files open in VX/Pro) | Steep price increase after Siemens acquisition | | Scalable – from simple 2-layer to complex 20+ layer boards | Feature fragmentation across Standard/Plus/Pro | | Strong router (PADS Router / Allegro-like in Pro) | Some versions (VX.0–VX.1) had stability issues | | Excellent simulation integration (HyperLynx) | Documentation can be scattered across versions | | Still used by many contract manufacturers (CMs) | No native macOS/Linux version (Windows only) |

Released in 2003, was the first version released under the new naming convention. It was praised for its stability and marked the true beginning of the modern PADS flow. It included service packs like SPac1 , which focused on usability and defect fixes, and SPac2 and SPac3 , which delivered updated versions of tools like DxDesigner.

The history of PADS begins not with Mentor Graphics, but with , founded in 1986. The original product, known simply as PADS-PC , was a DOS-based application.

Here is the comprehensive version history and evolution of Mentor Graphics PADS. The Early Era: PADS-PCB to PADS-2000 (1980s–1990s) mentor graphics pads version history

Mentor Graphics PADS (now Siemens PADS Professional) stands as one of the most enduring and widely utilized printed circuit board (PCB) design software suites in engineering history. Originally developed by CADAM, matured under PADS Software Inc., and later elevated by Mentor Graphics and Siemens, PADS transitioned from a basic DOS-based tool into a high-powered, desktop PCB design platform.

Integrated Mentor’s HyperLynx technology directly into the PADS ecosystem for pre- and post-layout signal integrity (SI) analysis.

The company was sold to Innoveda , a joint venture between Kyoden and Viewlogic. The history of PADS begins not with Mentor

This era marked the absolute peak of the software's market dominance in the mid-range PCB sector. Version 5.0, in particular, became legendary for its stability, lightweight installation, and intuitive copper pouring mechanics. Many legacy design bureaus refused to upgrade from PowerPCB 5.0 for nearly a decade due to its unmatched speed on lower-spec hardware.

Introduced affordable, PC-based layout capabilities to small and medium enterprises, breaking the monopoly of expensive UNIX workstations. PADS PowerPCB 3.0 to 5.0 (The Windows Migration)

In 2015, Mentor Graphics overhauled the product line. They split PADS into two distinct technology tracks. PADS Standard and Standard Plus The Early Era: PADS-PCB to PADS-2000 (1980s–1990s) Mentor

Understanding the version history of PADS provides valuable context for how desktop PCB design tools evolved to meet the demands of high-speed digital design, dense form factors, and cloud-connected collaborative workflows. The Early Eras: DOS to PADS-Perform (1980s–1990s)

Added an integrated 3D viewer allowing designers to view the physical board assembly and export STEP models to mechanical CAD software like SolidWorks.

Siemens made a strategic decision: is no longer the same codebase as Standard. It now shares the database and routing engine of Xpedition (Siemens' $50k+ tool), but with the PADS licensing model.

For nearly four decades, PADS has remained a cornerstone of printed circuit board (PCB) design, evolving from a simple DOS-based tool into a sophisticated suite of electronic design automation (EDA) solutions. Now part of Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics), the PADS version history reflects the industry's shift from manual drafting to high-speed, automated, and cloud-integrated design. The Early Era: 1985 – 1997

1989 saw the introduction of , which completed the schematic capture front-end. This combination allowed engineers to design a circuit’s logic and then lay out the physical board within a single, integrated software environment.