The software gained popularity for its ease of use on desktop PCs. During this era, PADS acquired critical technologies like (1997) for signal integrity and The company was sold to , a joint venture involving ViewLogic. The Mentor Graphics Era (2001–2016)

Before becoming a fixture in the Mentor Graphics portfolio, PADS was an independent pioneer in desktop EDA tools. PADS-PCB and PADS-2000 (DOS Era)

In 2015, Mentor Graphics released PADS OrCAD, a comprehensive PCB design solution that integrated PADS with the OrCAD schematic capture and simulation tools. This release marked a significant shift towards a more integrated design flow. Later, in 2017, Mentor Graphics released PADS Xtreme, a next-generation PCB design platform that featured a modern user interface, improved performance, and enhanced capabilities for high-speed design, simulation, and collaboration.

2. The Mentor Graphics Transition: PADS 2004 to PADS 9.5 (2004–2012)

Advanced thermal analysis and extended high-speed design.

Siemens acquired Mentor Graphics in 2017. The software was eventually rebranded as . Recent updates focus heavily on cloud integration and supply chain intelligence.

Visual verification and high-speed differential pairs.

Expanded memory allocation limits to utilize 64-bit Windows architectures more efficiently, allowing the software to handle massive layer counts and high-density interconnect (HDI) designs.

: Versions like PADS 9.3 and 9.5 were major milestones, widely used for years. These versions solidified the classic workflow of using PADS Logic for schematics and PADS Layout for the board.

Implemented robust physical design reuse (PDR), allowing layout segments to be saved and replicated across different designs.