In 2016, Mentor Graphics released PADS Professional, a comprehensive PCB design solution that combined the best features of PADS and Mentor Graphics' other design tools.
: Expanded capabilities by acquiring HyperLynx (1997) for signal integrity and ACT (1998).
Founded by Gene Marsh, the software first launched in 1985 for DOS, priced at $495 per seat. It gained popularity as an affordable desktop alternative to expensive workstation-based CAD systems. mentor graphics pads version history
As of late 2024, the latest production version is .
Focused on integrating Mentor's advanced technologies, such as the DxDesigner schematic tool and HyperLynx for signal integrity analysis. In 2016, Mentor Graphics released PADS Professional, a
: Mentor introduced "Flow" bundles, integrating Logic, Layout, and Router into a cohesive Windows-based environment.
PADS Professional 2020s (2019–2022)
Before it was "Mentor Graphics PADS," it was simply . The software was developed in the early 1980s by a company named CAD Software , Inc., based in Littleton, Massachusetts. At the time, PCB design was done on Unix workstations costing $50,000+. PADS was revolutionary because it ran on MS-DOS on a standard IBM PC.
