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What is mentor graphics pads ?

Introduction

PADS is a printed circuit board (PCB) design software

from Mentor Graphics, used for schematic capture and PCB layout. It

provides an end-to-end solution for electronics design, enabling engineers

to create complex multi-layer boards and integrate electrical/mechanical

co-design.

PADS has a long history spanning over 30+ years of development and is

widely used in sectors like automotive, aerospace, industrial, medical,

networking and instrumentation. This article provides an overview of

PADS – its features, capabilities, applications and role in the PCB

design workflow.

Overview of PADS Software

PADS is feature-rich professional EDA software for PCB design targeted at

the high-end market. Key attributes:

 Integrated – Unified environment for schematic,

layout, routing, library management

 Scalable – Solutions for simple to complex multi-board systems

 High-Speed – Tools for signal integrity, DDR routing, impedance

control

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 Flexible – Customizable design flow and user interface

 Interoperable – Links with MCAD, analysis, simulation tools

PADS has an array of capabilities geared for efficient PCB design,

including:

Schematic Capture

Intelligent tools for drawing and verifying schematics with automation,

cross-probing to analyze circuits. Extensive component libraries.

PCB Layout

Modern GUI with high-speed editing, placement, routing. DRC/ERC checks.

Constraint-driven, rules-based autorouting.

Library Management

Centralized storage of schematic symbols and PCB footprints. Generation

of device models.

High-Speed Design

Tools for signal integrity analysis, impedance control, RF design, IBIS

simulations.

Co-Design Integration

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Collaboration with MCAD for enclosures, thermal analysis. EMI/signal

integrity analysis.

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Key Features and Tools

Let’s look at some of the major features and capabilities of the PADS

software suite:

Unified Design Environment

PADS has an integrated schematic capture, PCB layout and library

management environment for seamless design flow. Engineers can cross

select between schematics and layout, cross probe to analyze connectivity,

synchronize changes across documents.

Constraint-Driven, Rules-Based Autorouting

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The auto-router in PADS is highly advanced, customizable rules-based

engine that can handle complex HDI boards, following timing, topology,

spacing constraints. This minimizes manual routing.

Design Reuse

PADS facilitates reuse of existing schematic blocks, layout fragments,

custom padstacks. This accelerates design by leveraging proven building

blocks.

Multi-Channel Design

Engineers can create designs with multiple PCBs in parallel with

synchronization, reducing duplication of effort and minimizing errors.

DFM Analysis

PADS integrates DFM analysis tools to assess manufacturability, including

design rule checks, copper balancing, layer stack visualization. This avoids

costly mistakes.

Signal and Power Integrity

Tools are provided for SI/PI analysis – transmission lines, route impedance

matching, IR drop analysis, IBIS simulation. Critical for

high-speed digital design.

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Documentation

PADS includes extensive capabilities for generating manufacturing

documentation – assembly drawings, fabrication outputs, bill of materials,

etc.

Open Architecture

PADS is based on open standards to enable integration with various

MCAD systems, analysis tools through APIs. Customization using

industry-standard languages like Visual Basic, Java, Tcl, Python.

Flexible Licensing

Available as perpetual, term, or cloud subscription licenses. Licenses can

be moved between computers or users with offline lease options.

Applications and Markets

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PADS software caters to a diverse range of applications across industries

like:

Aerospace and Defense – High reliability boards, rigid-flex, advanced

packaging

Automotive – Infotainment, RADAR, vision systems, vehicle networks

Medical – Imaging systems, patient monitoring, implants

Instrumentation – Test and measurement equipment

Communications – Networking gear, telecom infrastructure

Industrial – Programmable automation controllers, motor drives

Consumer – Home appliances, IoT products

PADS is the ideal solution for products requiring advanced PCB

technologies – high pin count BGAs, HDI stacked microvias, high-speed

digital, chip packaging.

Role in PCB Design Flow

PADS plays a core role in the electronics development process:

The typical workflow is:

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1. System Design – Define product architecture, electronics

functionality

2. Schematic Capture – Create circuit schematics in PADS

3. Simulation – Simulate designs for functional verification

4. PCB Layout – Convert schematics to board layout in PADS

5. Analysis – Perform signal/power integrity analysis

6. Verification – Validate designs with DRCs, ERCs

7. Manufacturing – Generate fabrication, assembly files

8. Prototyping – Build and test prototypes

9. Production – Manufacture final boards

This streamlined, digital flow enables faster design iterations and

accelerated time-to-market.

Integrated Solutions

PADS is part of a comprehensive suite of PCB design and analysis

solutions from Mentor:

Xpedition – Enterprise design platform for schematic, layout,

documentation HyperLynx – SerDes analysis, signal

integrity, power integrity BluePrint – PCB documentation, manufacturing

outputs

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FloTHERM – Multi-physics for thermal design PHYSlcs – Physical layer

characterization tool

This provides an integrated toolchain covering the complete PCB product

lifecycle. PADS enables collaboration and data exchange between

disciplines like electrical, mechanical, thermal, physics layout designers.

Why PADS?

Some of the key reasons why PADS is widely used for advanced PCB

design include:

 Mature, proven technology – low risk

 High routing capabilities – less manual effort

 Advanced DFM analysis – reduce respins

 Custom reporting and outputs

 Interoperability and integration

 Scalable – supports simple to complex boards

 Available expertise and training

 Trusted solution from established EDA vendor

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Recent Enhancements

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PADS continues to evolve with new capabilities:

 Unified 3D/2D design environments

 Electromagnetic analysis integration

 Scripting and programming enhancements

 Cloud-based collaboration

 Virtual reality design reviews

 Machine learning-based design rule assistance

 Integrated requirements management

These innovations expand the functionality and improve user experience.

Conclusion

To summarize, PADS from Mentor Graphics is a sophisticated PCB design

software that enables professionals to create complex boards efficiently.

Its rich feature set, cutting-edge technologies, interoperability make PADS

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a top choice for mission-critical electrical and electronic product

development.

FQA

What are the key capabilities of PADS PCB design software?

PADS provides integrated schematic capture, PCB layout, autorouting,

signal integrity analysis, DFM, library management and documentation

capabilities for end-to-end PCB design.

What industries typically use PADS for electronics design?

Key user segments include aerospace, automotive, communications,

medical, instrumentation, industrial, and consumer products industries.

How suitable is PADS for designing high-speed digital boards?

PADS has extensive features for high-speed design like impedance

matching, IBIS modeling, timing analysis, flexibility to adapt to

leading-edge standards.

Can PADS integrate with MCAD and simulation tools?

Yes, PADS has open architecture and APIs to enable integration with

MCAD, thermal, electromagnetic field solvers, Spice simulations etc.

What is the learning curve for a new user to become productive with PADS?

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An engineer familiar with PCB design can learn PADS quickly. The UI is

intuitive and it follows standard ECAD workflows. With training, users can

be designing boards within days.

Related Posts:

1. What is Mentor PCB?

2. What are PCB Pads?

3. What is PADS Layout?

4. What are Castellated Pads?

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