Implemented basic 3D visualization capabilities inside the layout tool, allowing designers to check mechanical clearances. It added physical design reuse features, allowing engineers to copy and paste complex routed circuits across different layouts. PADS 9.5 (2012)
: Recent development has continued under the VX.2.x cycle:
In 2016, Mentor Graphics released PADS Professional, a comprehensive PCB design solution that combined the best features of PADS and Mentor Graphics' other design tools. mentor graphics pads version history
This release integrated Mentor’s powerful HyperLynx simulation technology directly into the PADS environment. It gave mainstream desktop designers access to signal integrity (SI) and thermal analysis without leaving their primary design tool.
In 2014, Mentor Graphics fundamentally restructured the PADS product line. They split it into two distinct branches to cater to different market segments. They split it into two distinct branches to
Mentor Graphics PADS (now Siemens PADS Professional) stands as one of the most enduring and widely utilized Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design suites in the electronics industry. Originally developed by CADAM and later acquired by PADS Software Inc., the tool became a cornerstone of the Mentor Graphics portfolio in 2000. Today, under Siemens Digital Industries Software, PADS continues to bridge the gap between hobbyist tools and high-end enterprise software.
Understanding the version history of PADS provides valuable insight into how PCB design technology evolved to meet the demands of modern, high-speed electronics. 1. The Early Eras: PADS-PCB to PADS-2000 (1980s–1990s) highlighting major releases
: A landmark "next-generation" release that introduced significantly enhanced scalability and integration with Mentor’s high-end technologies for analysis and manufacturing. PADS 9.4 (March 2012)
Below is a comprehensive version history, highlighting major releases, architectural shifts, and feature milestones.
The Siemens Era: Next-Generation PADS Professional (2020–Present)