PADS (Personal Automated Design System) has evolved over four decades from a pioneering DOS-based tool into a sophisticated multi-tier design suite now under the Siemens EDA umbrella. Early History and Origins (1985–2000)

The company was sold to Innoveda , a joint venture between Kyoden and Viewlogic.

In 1994, Mentor Graphics acquired PADS Software, Inc. This was a strategic move by Mentor to capture the mid-range market, complementing their high-end "Board Station" enterprise suite.