Pads printed circuit board design software is now upgraded to include 3D tool capabilities plus usability enhancements. The new technology provides visualization, placement, and design rule checking in 3D, minimizing iterations with mechanical and manufacturing teams. Schematic design and layout enhancements improve usability across the flow for increased user productivity.

Enables full 3D visualization, placement, design rule checking and PDF creation. Commercial engine provides faster, more robust performance compared to traditional open-source software, in support of large databases. Import STEP (Standard for The Exchange of Product Data) models and exports full PCB assemblies in multiple formats. Extends 3D functionality in Pads Professional with optional four million parts 3D library and ECAD-MCAD collaboration tool. 3D capabilities scalable depending on product configuration.

Layout updated to include enhanced reference designator placement with physical design reuse elements, improved padstack editing, and updated translator and migration tools. The PADS schematic capture feature now includes the ability to automatically renumber a schematic sheet and update the bill of materials (BoM) report. Includes access to PartQuest component portal which includes schematic symbols, footprints, and parametric data for over 450,000 parts. Translators from competitive tools updated, including import of Altium V15 libraries and designs.

Mentor Graphics, www.pads.com