Mentor Graphics Pads Version History -

PADS (Personal Automated Design System) has evolved over more than 30 years from a desktop-focused PCB design tool into a high-end platform integrated into the Siemens EDA ecosystem. Originally created by Gene Marsh, it underwent significant shifts in ownership—moving from Innoveda to Mentor Graphics in 2001, and eventually to Siemens in 2017. Early Era & Expansion (1980s – 2000s)

1. The Early Years (1980s–1990s): DOS and Windows Origins

| Version | 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. | mentor graphics pads version history

PADS VX.1 (2016):

acquired Innoveda, bringing PADS into one of the industry's broadest EDA portfolios. PADS 2005 & 2007 PADS (Personal Automated Design System) has evolved over

3. The Mentor Graphics Acquisition and The Windows Transition (1995–2005)

In 1994, Mentor Graphics acquired PADS Software, Inc. This was a strategic move by Mentor to capture the mid-range market, complementing their high-end "Board Station" enterprise suite. The Early Years (1980s–1990s): DOS and Windows Origins