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.
), spans over 30 years and transitions from a standalone desktop PCB design tool to a sophisticated suite integrated with high-end enterprise technology. Siemens Blog Network Origins and Early Acquisitions Early 1990s mentor graphics pads version history
Are you trying to (e.g., .max , .pcb ) to a newer version? By the late 1990s, the platform underwent a
| | Branding | Example Versions | |------------|--------------|-----------------------| | 1986–1994 | PADS‑PCB | v1.0 – v3.5 (DOS) | | 1995–1999 | PowerPCB | PowerPCB v1.0 – v4.0 | | 2000–2007 | PADS (year‑based) | 2000, 2004, 2005, 2007 | | 2009–2015 | PADS 9.x | 9.0, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5 | | 2015–2020 | PADS VX | VX.0, VX.1, VX.2 up to VX.2.10 | | 2021–present | PADS Professional (Siemens) | Pro 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1 | Siemens Blog Network Origins and Early Acquisitions Early
For over three decades, Mentor Graphics PADS has evolved from a simple DOS-based PCB layout tool into one of the most widely used desktop PCB design solutions in the world. This article traces the entire version history of PADS, from its early beginnings to the latest releases under Siemens.