: Originally a popular tool for independent engineers and small service bureaus like 1997–2000

Around 2007, Mentor Graphics rebranded the suite, dropping the "Power" prefix to simplify the product identity and align it with other Mentor flows. The tool became known simply as , PADS Layout , and PADS Router .

Founded by Gene Marsh, the first version of PADS was released for the DOS operating system, priced affordably at approximately $495 per seat to target individual engineers.

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 acquired Innoveda in 2002, integrating PADS into its broad Electronic Design Automation (EDA) portfolio. : Introduced GUI standardization, the Project Explorer