Mentor Graphics Pads Version History !link! -

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

• Rebranded line emphasizing unified “VX” toolset (PADS VX and PADS VX.2).
• Stronger focus on system-centric PCB design workflows and enterprise integration.

Key Eras & Notable Versions

2. Origins: The PADS Software Inc. Era (1986–1994)

VX.3.0

Siemens has been clear: "PADS Professional" is the future. The legacy "PADS Standard" (the old Mentor codebase) is in maintenance mode. Expect version in 2025 to focus on: mentor graphics pads version history