Mentor Graphics Pads Version History

Mentor Graphics acquired PADS Software Inc. in 2002. They integrated it as their desktop solution below the enterprise-level Board Station.

More flexibility in layout constraints.

Substantially upgraded the constraint management system. High-speed design constraints (like DDR memory topologies) could now be defined once in the schematic and driven seamlessly through to layout. 4. The Siemens Era: PADS Professional Premium

The classic “PADS Standard” still exists for smaller boards (up to 16 layers). “PADS Professional” now shares the same database engine as Xpedition Enterprise. mentor graphics pads version history

Siemens has been clear: "PADS Professional" is the future. The legacy "PADS Standard" (the old Mentor codebase) is in maintenance mode. Expect version in 2025 to focus on:

Following Siemens’ acquisition of Mentor Graphics (completed 2017), the first Siemens‑branded releases arrived in 2021, focusing on cloud collaboration and mechanical‑electrical co‑design.

The PADS 9.x series brought a major shift, focusing on integrating the schematic and layout, enhancing high-speed design constraints, and adopting a more modern UI. Mentor Graphics acquired PADS Software Inc

Introduced a modern graphical user interface (GUI), dynamic copper pouring, and basic shape-based autorouting.

Improved integration with supply chain and project management systems. Summary of PADS Evolution

| | Year | Key Features | |-------------|----------|-------------------| | PADS‑PCB (v1.0) | 1986 | First commercial release; ran on DOS. Basic 2D line‑editing, limited layers (4–6). | | PADS‑2000 | 1988 | Increased component count, macro support. Popular for telecom prototyping. | | PADS‑Perform | 1992 | Windows 3.1 interface; intro of PADS-Logic for schematic capture. | | PADS‑PowerPCB | 1995 | Major rewrite. Introduced “Smart” cursor, dynamic route editing, and OLE automation. | More flexibility in layout constraints

The software gained popularity for its ease of use on desktop PCs. During this era, PADS acquired critical technologies like (1997) for signal integrity and The company was sold to , a joint venture involving ViewLogic. The Mentor Graphics Era (2001–2016)

The PADS 9.x series is arguably the most famous and widely adopted generation in the software's history, largely due to the phenomenal success of version 9.5.

During this period, PADS established itself as a leading PCB design platform, known for its ease of use and powerful layout capabilities. The PowerPCB name became synonymous with quality PCB design software.