Founded by Gene Marsh, the first version of PADS was released for the DOS operating system, priced affordably at approximately $495 per seat to target individual engineers.
During the early 1990s, PADS expanded its capabilities with PADS Logic (for schematic capture) and PADS Layout. By 1991, the software had become a standard for service bureaus.
For nearly four decades, PADS has remained a cornerstone of printed circuit board (PCB) design, evolving from a simple DOS-based tool into a sophisticated suite of electronic design automation (EDA) solutions. Now part of Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics), the PADS version history reflects the industry's shift from manual drafting to high-speed, automated, and cloud-integrated design. The Early Era: 1985 – 1997 mentor graphics pads version history
The transition to Mentor Graphics marked the integration of high-end analysis tools into the PADS ecosystem.
PADS began as a startup focused on bringing professional-grade PCB layout tools to the desktop. Founded by Gene Marsh, the first version of
These versions focused on stability and the introduction of advanced simulation. PADS 2007.3 introduced HyperLynx Analog as an add-in for DxDesigner, significantly enhancing signal integrity capabilities.
Released to modernize the installation and database structure, PADS 9.4 updated ASCII formats for Layout and Router while maintaining library compatibility. The Modern VX Era: 2014 – Present For nearly four decades, PADS has remained a
In 2014, Mentor Graphics overhauled the product line, introducing the "VX" (Vertical Experience) platform and tiering the software into Standard, Standard Plus, and Professional.