After acquiring PADS from (later known as PADS Software Inc.) in the late 1990s, Mentor Graphics aggressively modernized the toolchain.
From a modest DOS program in 1986 to a cloud-connected professional suite in 2025, the history of Mentor Graphics PADS is a remarkable journey. We've seen the birth of PowerPCB, the legendary stability of PADS 9.5, and the powerful technological leap of the VX series. While the brand may have changed hands and the interface may have evolved, PADS remains a testament to accessible, high-performance PCB design, empowering engineers to bring their most complex electronic ideas to life.
In the mid-to-late 1990s, CAD Software, Inc. rebranded as PADS Software Inc. before being acquired by Innoveda in 2000. During this era, the software transitioned completely to the Microsoft Windows operating system.
The 9.5 release is often considered the peak of the classic PADS line. Its long-term popularity stemmed from its ability to efficiently handle the full PCB design flow—from schematic capture and simulation through to Gerber and BOM output—while maintaining a proven, stable codebase that engineers trusted for critical projects. mentor graphics pads version history
Following the acquisition, Mentor Graphics rebranded the suite simply as "PADS" and aligned the version numbers with release years, before transitioning to a decimal system. PADS 2004 and PADS 2005
| | Year | Highlights | |-------------|----------|----------------| | PADS 9.0 | 2009 | Redesigned ribbon‑style interface. Added PADS AMS (analog/mixed‑signal simulation). | | PADS 9.2 | 2010 | Introduced xDX Designer (former DxDesigner) as an optional schematic editor. 3D STEP export/import for mechanical collaboration. | | PADS 9.3 | 2011 | Enhanced 3D PCB Viewer – rotate, zoom, check clearances. Multi‑core autorouting support. | | PADS 9.4 | 2012 | Added Advanced Design Rule Set (per‑net, per‑layer rules). First support for rigid‑flex design. | | PADS 9.5 | 2013 | OSP (Online Signal Path) analysis. HyperLynx DDR wizard integration for memory interface verification. |
Added specialized support for Rigid-Flex PCB design, a growing necessity for mobile and wearable devices. After acquiring PADS from (later known as PADS Software Inc
A DOS-based layout tool that gained immense popularity among engineering firms due to its low hardware requirements and efficient keyboard-driven command structure.
Mentor began pushing DxDesigner (now Xpedition Designer) as a scalable, high-end alternative to PADS Logic for schematic capture, enabling hierarchical design management. PADS 9.3 & 9.4 (2011–2012)
The transition to Mentor Graphics marked the integration of high-end analysis tools into the PADS ecosystem. While the brand may have changed hands and
A major update that introduced virtual pins for branch point definition, full DDRx routing support , and a simplified Chinese interface. It also integrated the HyperLynx 8.2 suite for 3D field solving and thermal analysis. The VX Era & Rebranding (2015 – Present)
By 2015, the gap between desktop PCB tools and enterprise-level tools was narrowing. To address this, Mentor Graphics split the product line into two distinct technology tracks: (based on the traditional PADS 9.x classic engine) and PADS Professional (powered by Mentor’s high-end Xpedition technology). PADS VX.0 to VX.1 (2014–2015)