By the late 1990s, the platform underwent a massive rewrite to native 32-bit Windows applications, rebranded as . Versions 3.0 through 5.0 introduced the iconic spreadsheets interface for managing attributes, parts, and nets.
Better handling of component libraries 4.2.3.
After a brief pause, Mentor Graphics "resurrected" the PADS name in 2003 for the low-to-mid range PCB market. The following decade became a period of extraordinary development, marked by the release of several now-legendary versions.
for Logic and Layout, and integrated OrCAD schematic/library import. : Added features for Design Variants and integrated HyperLynx Analog simulation as a DxDesigner add-in. PADS 9.x Series 9.4 (2012) : Added support for new 2D line styles and enhanced library support 9.5 (2012) mentor graphics pads version history
Following the release of , Siemens EDA announced a significant strategic shift. The PADS Standard and PADS Standard Plus product lines were sold to a Chinese entity (Fan-Yi Education), ceasing development under Siemens. Future releases of these entry-level tools will be managed and branded by this new owner, effectively ending Siemens’ direct stewardship of the legacy PADS layout engine for these product tiers.
In the mid-to-late 1990s, CAD Software, Inc. rebranded as PADS Software Inc. before being acquired by Innoveda in 2000. During this era, the software transitioned completely to the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Siemens acquired Mentor Graphics in 2017, eventually rebranding the division to Siemens EDA in 2021. Under Siemens, PADS has evolved into a deeply integrated cloud-connected desktop ecosystem. PADS Professional Premium (2021–Present) By the late 1990s, the platform underwent a
PADS 9.5 / VX.2 updates (2013–2016)
Maintain the traditional PADS user interface (UI) and logic.
Mentor Graphics began rebranding the product from PowerPCB back to PADS. In 2003, was released for Windows 2000 and Windows XP, marking the first version under the new naming convention. While there was no PADS 2009, the progression continued with PADS 2007 in 2007, which included further refinements. After a brief pause, Mentor Graphics "resurrected" the
From a simple DOS PCB tool in 1986 to the modern, integrated platform of PADS Professional VX.2.14 in 2026, PADS has continuously evolved to meet changing industry demands. Whether using the classic PADS 9.5, the transitional VX series, or the latest PADS Professional under Siemens, the software remains an essential tool for PCB designers worldwide, balancing ease of use with powerful features.
Released in 2003, was the first version released under the new naming convention. It was praised for its stability and marked the true beginning of the modern PADS flow. It included service packs like SPac1 , which focused on usability and defect fixes, and SPac2 and SPac3 , which delivered updated versions of tools like DxDesigner.
Focused on stability after the Mentor acquisition. It improved copper pour generation and dxf importing.
Integrated PartQuest Portal services. This allowed users to fetch live component pricing, availability, and symbol data.
Advanced thermal analysis and extended high-speed design.