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INDUSTRY, TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTS and INNOVATION you want to read about

RS Components incorporates SnapEDA RS introduces new

component library into DesignSpark combined cable and

network tester from
Millions of free CAD models added to free-to-use PCB design suite
Fluke Networks

S Components (RS), has integrated the SnapEDA electronic component library and search
Rengine into its award winning DesignSpark PCB CAD platform. The new search capability gives
engineers easy access to free CAD models of millions of electronic components, significantly elivering advanced cable testing with
reducing design times. Dswitch diagnostics for troubleshooting
SnapEDA provides free access to the essential building blocks for electronic design, including networks and aiding connection of Power-over-
schematic symbols, PCB footprints and 3D models created using proprietary creation, verification and Ethernet devices.
translation technology. As the industry’s only vendor agnostic search engine, it helps over 750,000 RS Components (RS) is now stocking
professional engineers each year to discover and design-in devices selected from a comprehensive LinkIQ™ Cable+Network: a brand-new
component library. advanced cable and network tester, ideal for
RS’s DesignSpark platform is a suite of free-to-use rapid PCB prototyping tools offering schematics installers and maintenance technicians.
unlimited in number and size, unlimited layers, nodes, pads and connections, integration with RS parts A highly cost effective and time saving unit,
libraries, a library editor to create custom libraries, and integration with free DesignSpark mechanical the LinkIQ cable and network tester combines
and electrical CAD systems. the capabilities of two devices with advanced
The SnapEDA online component library on DesignSpark is searchable by entering either a known switch diagnostics and state-of-the-art cable
part number or one or more keywords. CAD models are downloaded for free and can be imported measurement technology to provide simplified
directly into DesignSpark or virtually any other major PCB CAD tool. Datasheets, full specifications, network troubleshooting when building, adding
price checks and component sales are available through RS. to or maintaining networks.
“Since launching DesignSpark 11 years ago, RS Components has demonstrated its commitment to Networks are seeing the increasing use
supporting the engineering community through free tools and resources,” said Natasha Baker, Founder of new and fast-evolving technologies such as
and CEO of SnapEDA. “This commitment resonates with us here at SnapEDA, where we have similarly 10-Gbit/s Ethernet and Power over Ethernet
been unwaveringly committed to helping engineers design faster with free, innovative design tools and (PoE). The Fluke unit can provide users with a
resources we’ve brought to the market. We’re thrilled to support the engineering community together, high level of confidence to quickly troubleshoot
with this new SnapEDA integration on the DesignSpark website.” cabling and/or connect PoE devices to networks
“Part selection and design-in can be major bottlenecks in the electronic design process, because – and at a price that means the unit can be
engineers have to source digital models for each component,” said Carol North, Senior Digital widely deployed across enterprises.
Development Manager, RS Components. “Our new partnership with SnapEDA solves this problem by The unit’s cable performance ability
adding free, drop-in CAD models to our free-to-use DesignSpark platform.” provides frequency-based measurement and
Besides DesignSpark, supported CAD formats include Altium, KiCad, Fusion360, Cadence Allegro, provides results showing the maximum data
OrCAD, Eagle, Pulsonix, DipTrace, Proteus, ExpressPCB Plus, CircuitStudio, PADS, PCB123, Target 3001! rate the cable can support, up to a maximum
and P-CAD. of 10-Gbit/s. It also displays information on the
cable distance and, if connected, details of the
SnapEDA can be accessed via the DesignSpark website at https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/ switch port, including its name, VLAN status,
snapeda-parts-finder#/. speed and duplex. For PoE verification, the unit
will display the PoE class (up to Class 8) and can
perform a load test from the connected switch.
In addition to system integrators that
move, add or change network systems, and
support technicians that keep the network
up-and-running, the LinkIQ is ideally suited to
installers who need to ensure cable validation,
error-free operation and documentation, which
can be easily provided via the management of
reports via the LinkWare™ PC software.

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