History New! — Mentor Graphics Pads Version

These versions established the standard Windows graphical user interface (GUI) for the tool. They introduced the modeless commands (shortcut keystrokes) that veteran users still use today.

tools through the Connect platform, allowing teams to share schematic captures and BOM data via a web browser. The Modern Era: Siemens EDA (2021–Present)

In 2017, Mentor Graphics was acquired by Siemens, and PADS has since become part of the Siemens EDA (Electronic Design Automation) portfolio.

As the electronics industry continues to evolve, with emerging technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence, and 5G, Mentor Graphics PADS remains a vital tool for designers and engineers. Looking ahead, we can expect PADS to continue to innovate, incorporating emerging technologies like machine learning, cloud-based collaboration, and advanced simulation capabilities.

Following Siemens' acquisition of Mentor Graphics, these versions integrated PADS with cloud-based collaboration tools (Connect for PADS Professional). Component management moved toward cloud-hosted cloud libraries, reducing manual footprint generation. Siemens PADS Professional Era (2021–Present) mentor graphics pads version history

: Added enhanced usability and efficiency features based on community feedback.

PADS Software Inc. originally developed the software to provide CAD capabilities on personal computers.

The shows a tool that successfully transitioned from a DOS-era workhorse to a modern, professional PCB design suite. Best versions to remember:

Before becoming a Mentor Graphics flagship product, PADS started as a lightweight, highly efficient desktop PCB design tool. The Modern Era: Siemens EDA (2021–Present) In 2017,

PADS 9.0 (2009) ──> PADS 9.3 (2011) ──> PADS 9.5 (2012) ──> PADS 9.5.1 (2014) (Unification) (3D Viewing) (Advanced thermal) (64-bit Engines) PADS 9.0 & 9.1 (2009) Enterprise-level scalability.

The PADS 9.x Generation: Modern High-Speed Foundations (2009–2014)

Today, Mentor Graphics PADS remains a popular EDA software solution for designing and manufacturing PCBs. The current version, PADS 9.5, offers a comprehensive set of features and tools for designing, simulating, and manufacturing complex PCBs.

Smoother workflows between electrical and mechanical design teams. PADS VX.2.13 (2023) The current version

: These versions focused on improving user interfaces and basic routing capabilities. The 9.x Series

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.

The Paradigm Shift: PADS Professional and Standard (2015–2018)

Integrated virtual prototyping capabilities directly within the layout environment. PADS 9.5 introduced advanced thermal analysis tools powered by Mentor’s FloTHERM technology, allowing designers to detect component hotspots early. The PADS VX Era: Architectural Overhaul (2014–2020)

| Year | Version(s) | Operating System | Key Milestone | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1986 | PADS-PCB | DOS | Initial release | | 1989 | PADS Logic | DOS | First schematic capture tool | | 1990 | PADS 2000 | DOS | Early naming convention | | 1993 | PADS Perform | DOS / Windows | Transitional release | | 1995 | PowerPCB V1.0 | Windows 95 | Full rebrand for modern OS | | 2001 | PowerPCB V5.0 | Windows 2000/XP | Last major independent release | | 2003 | PADS 2005 | Windows 2000/XP | First Mentor Graphics suite | | 2007 | PADS 2007 | Windows 2000/XP | Refined UI and constraints | | 2009 | PADS 9.0 | Windows 2000/XP/7 | Next-generation flow | | 2010 | PADS 9.1 / 9.2 | Windows 2000/XP/7 | Incremental updates | | 2011 | PADS 9.3 / 9.4 | Windows 2000/XP/7 | Performance improvements | | 2012 | PADS 9.5 | Windows 2000/XP/7 | Most widely used version | | 2014 | PADS VX.0 | Windows XP/7/8 | Introduction of VX naming | | 2015 | PADS VX.1 | Windows XP/7/8 | Tiered product structure | | 2024 | PADS VX.2.14 | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) | Latest VX.x release | | 2017 | Siemens Acquisition | N/A | Mentor Graphics acquired |