This period, often called the "golden era" of PADS, saw rapid innovation.
This is the period most working engineers remember. Mentor Graphics stabilized the codebase, modernized the version numbers, and turned PADS into a tiered product (PADS Standard, PADS Professional, PADS Standard Plus).
As the EDA industry continues to evolve, Mentor Graphics is committed to enhancing PADS with new features, improved performance, and increased functionality. Future developments are expected to focus on:
This version brought massive improvements to the internal database structure. It introduced support for complex via structures (blind and buried vias) and expanded differential pair routing capabilities to accommodate high-speed digital designs. PADS 9.0 (2009) mentor graphics pads version history
: PADS was briefly owned by the Japanese manufacturer Kyoden before being acquired by in early 2000. PCB Libraries Mentor Graphics Era (2002窶�2016)
The Mentor Graphics PADS desktop PCB design software platform has a rich history spanning several decades. Originally developed by CAD Software, Inc., PADS became a staple tool for hardware engineers and PCB designers worldwide due to its balance of power, ease of use, and affordability. Over the years, the software evolved from a basic DOS-based layout tool into a highly sophisticated desktop environment under Mentor Graphics, and later, Siemens EDA.
Enhanced standard MCAD collaboration via the STEP and ProSTEP (IDX) file formats, enabling seamless synchronization with tools like SolidEdge and SOLIDWORKS. This period, often called the "golden era" of
: Mentor shifted to the VX (Version X) nomenclature to align PADS with its high-end Xpedition technology.
: Added features for RF design, such as via matrixing and DXF-in import. It also improved high-speed routing and introduced Design for Fabrication (DFF) analysis. PADS 9.x (approx. 2009窶�2013)
Whether your primary goal is , library migration , or upgrading to Siemens PADS Professional ? As the EDA industry continues to evolve, Mentor
Which (e.g., 9.5, VX.2) your current design archives use?
This era marked the absolute peak of the software's market dominance in the mid-range PCB sector. Version 5.0, in particular, became legendary for its stability, lightweight installation, and intuitive copper pouring mechanics. Many legacy design bureaus refused to upgrade from PowerPCB 5.0 for nearly a decade due to its unmatched speed on lower-spec hardware.