Mentor Graphics Announces 20th Annual PCB Technology Leadership Awards Program


WILSONVILLE, Ore., January 10, 2008 - Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq: MENT) today announced the call-for-entries of its 20th annual Technology Leadership Awards competition, continuing its tradition of recognizing excellence in printed circuit board (PCB) design. Started in 1988, this program is the longest running competition of its kind in the electronic design automation (EDA) industry. It recognizes engineers and computer aided design (CAD) designers who use Mentor's innovative technology to address today's complex PCB systems design challenges and produce industry-leading products.

Prominent experts in the PCB industry will judge the contest, including Happy Holden, senior technology specialist of Mentor Graphics; Gary Ferrari, technical support director, FTG Circuits; Pete Waddell, vice president of UP Media, publisher of Printed Circuit Designs & Fabrication Magazine; and Rick Hartley, senior principal engineer, avionics division of L-3 Communications.

"I'm pleased to see Mentor's continued support for this program," stated Gary Ferrari. "PCB designers are constantly facing new challenges and finding innovative solutions to address them. The Technology Leadership Awards are a great way to showcase the leading-edge design approaches they're utilizing, and recognize the designers and their contribution to the PCB industry."

This year, entrants will be able to submit their design accomplishments in any of six categories representing a wide variety of industries:

o PC computers and peripherals
o Consumer electronics and handhelds
o Industrial control, instrumentation, security and medical
o Military and aerospace
o Telecom switches, network servers, base stations and computer mainframes
o Transportation and automotive

"Mentor Graphics is committed to the PCB systems design community, and our PCB Technology Leadership Awards contest provides the opportunity to showcase the most innovative and talented designers worldwide," said Henry Potts, vice president and general manager, systems design division, Mentor Graphics. "The program continues to attract the most skilled users of our PCB systems design tools and Mentor expects this year's competition to be bigger than ever with entries from virtually all the major electronics countries in the world."

Winners will be named for each category as well as a Best Overall Design. The timeframe for submitting entries is from January 10th through March 14, 2008. Entrants can apply online at www.mentor.com/go/tla.

About the Technology Leadership Awards Contest

Mentor's Technology Leadership Award contest is open to any designs created with Mentor's PCB solutions, including the Board Station®, Expedition(TM) Enterprise and PADS® design flows. Judging will be based on overcoming complexity challenges, such as small form factor, high-speed content, design team collaboration, advanced PCB fabrication technologies and design-cycle time reduction. Judging will start in mid-March and winners will be announced at the PCB Design Conference East, Tinley Park, IL in May 11-16, 2008.

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq: MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of over $825 million and employs approximately 4,300 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: www.mentor.com.

For more information, please contact:
Larry Toda
Mentor Graphics
503.685.1664
larry_toda@mentor.com

Suzanne Graham
Mentor Graphics
503.552.3733
suzanne_graham@mentor.com

All Topics