Mentor Graphics Adds 3D Solution to PADS

Mentor Graphics has introduced new PADS 3D tool capabilities and usability enhancements to the PADS flow for PCB (printed circuit board) design. These new features let users visualize, place and design rule checking in 3D. According to the company, this ability lets users minimize iterations with mechanical and manufacturing teams.

The new 3D engine within PADS product enables full 3D visualization, placement and PDF creation. Users can import STEP models and export full PCB assemblies in multiple formats. This release also extends the 3D functionality with an option four million parts in the PADS ECAD-MCAD collaboration tool.

Usability is also a part of this new PADS update, a company press release states. The software’s layout has been changed to include an enhanced reference designator placement with physical design reuse elements, improved padstack editing and updated translator and migration tools.

Additionally, the software includes a new sample library, access to the Mentor component portal and enhanced translators from competitor tools such as Altium V15.

“PADS is a market-leading PCB design solution and we are addressing the needs of our customers with this new release,” says Paul Musto, PADS product line director, Mentor Graphics Systems Design Division. “This demonstrates Mentor’s continued commitment and investment in PADS by providing our customers with easy-to-use, feature-rich technologies so they get to market faster with highest-quality products.”

The updated PADS solution will be available next month.

For more information, visit Mentor Graphics.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.