As the world continues to move at an increasing pace, engineers continue to seek out faster and more efficient ways of realizing their designs. Traditionally, engineers spend days or even weeks creating computer-aided design (CAD) models for each component in their designs, a time-consuming, error-prone, and expensive process. This is especially true for electromechanical components which often have complex manufacturing requirements. This is why engineers are turning to ready-to-use CAD models provided by suppliers and SnapEDA to boost their productivity, and speed up time-to-market.

The new models created by SnapEDA make it easy to start designing with Switchcraft products right away, saving engineers time and allowing them to focus on building great products. To get started, engineers simply download the verified CAD model - including symbol and footprint - for the product they need, and can then jump straight to design.

The new models cover 850 Switchcraft products, including coaxial connectors (XLR & DIN) and power jacks.

“Switchcraft is one of the most sought out suppliers on SnapEDA for audio & circular connectors, and power jacks. As we continue to push the boundaries for engineers in terms of design productivity, it’s important to work alongside partners who have the same interests at heart. We look forward to introducing Switchcraft to the SnapEDA community,” says Natasha Baker, CEO & Founder of SnapEDA.

“Supporting engineers and solving design challenges is what Switchcraft/Conxall is all about, and Partnering with SnapEDA to provide CAD files, footprints, and symbol diagrams is a great way to make designing with our products even easier,” says Dan Sima, Director of Marketing at Switchcraft/Conxall.

Engineers can download the new Switchcraft CAD models free on SnapEDA, as well as partner websites including Digi-Key and Mouser.

The CAD models are compatible with all major PCB design tools in the market, including Altium, Circuit Studio, DipTrace, Autodesk Eagle, Fusion 360, KiCad, Cadence OrCAD & Allegro, Mentor PADS & DxDesigner, P-CAD, PCB123, Proteus, Pulsonix, and TARGET 3001!

The symbols used in this project follow the standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and are gendered to provide user-friendly schematics. The manufacturing standards were set by Switchcraft’s engineering team, and include a solder mask expansion of 0.254mm for non-plated through holes. Additionally, these models were created to allow for panel mounted connectors to also be PCB mountable.

Since 1946, Switchcraft/Conxall products have been known for their durability and reliability, and Switchcraft remains a quality leader by continuing to make nearly all products in their Chicago area factories. With thousands of standard products ranging from power jacks, to sealed circular connectors, to audio connectors, there is a Switchcraft/Conxall product to fit almost any application.