More intuitive 3D design and verification 4.2.2 .
A revolutionary shift. It combined the PADS interface with the powerhouse Xpedition routing technology. This brought high-end features like sketch routing, rigid-flex design, and real-time 3D DRC to the desktop market. PADS VX.2 Generation (2016–2020)
Powered by Siemens' Connect for PADS Professional (built on the Siemens Xcelerator cloud platform), modern versions offer secure, cloud-based design storage, version control, and BOM management.
In 2014, Mentor Graphics fundamentally restructured the PADS product line. They split it into two distinct branches to cater to different market segments.
Introduced the ability to save an existing layout segment (components and traces) and replicate it across multiple areas of the board or in different designs. mentor graphics pads version history
PADS 3.0 brought significant enhancements to the software, including the introduction of high-speed design capabilities. This version allowed designers to create and analyze high-speed designs, including those with signal frequencies above 100 MHz. New features, such as differential pair routing and via shielding, helped designers meet the challenges of high-speed design. Additionally, PADS 3.0 included improved simulation tools, enabling designers to analyze and optimize their designs more effectively.
1. The Early Eras: PADS-PCB to PADS PowerPCB (1980s–1990s) PADS-PCB and PADS-2000
In 2002, for $160 million, officially bringing PADS into its portfolio.
Streamlined team communication 3.2.4. PartQuest Portal: Access to 625 million+ components 3.2.4. PADS VX.2.15 (2024 - 2025) More intuitive 3D design and verification 4
Better handling of component libraries 4.2.3.
This release was a major milestone focusing on user productivity. According to InnoFour and Siemens, key enhancements included:
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.
: Launched as a high-tier offering, this version utilized Xpedition's layout engine rather than the classic PADS code base. The Siemens Era (2017–Present) They split it into two distinct branches to
Enhanced standard MCAD collaboration via the STEP and ProSTEP (IDX) file formats, enabling seamless synchronization with tools like SolidEdge and SOLIDWORKS.
The PADS 9.x series brought a major shift, focusing on integrating the schematic and layout, enhancing high-speed design constraints, and adopting a more modern UI.
Enhanced the database architecture to support larger, more complex multi-layer boards.