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  • Author Author: Jan Cumps
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Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

Jan Cumps
Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

Part 2 of the exercise to create a custom footprint for the Amphenol /  SV Microwave SF2921-61506-1S   SMA coaxial connector. The previous post checked the possible layout. In this one, I'm drawing it in the footprint editor. This is the proposed design:

image
image source: Amphenol / SV Microwave documentation on element14 shop, annotated by me

Create a new library and footprint

I have a directory with custom footprints that I made or collected. I'm creating anew one for SV Microwave.

image

Then I add a new footprint for the SF2921-61506-1S:

image

That's the starting point. I did a first save at that point.

Step 1: initial outline

I try to start with a simple drawing that has a few reference points for later. Usually, I search for some square or rectangular simplification. In this case, I took the rectangle defined by the width of the connector and the distance of the drill holes for the screws. That immediately gives me 5 data points:

  • width
  • middle point where the spring sits
  • the two drill holes
  • middle point for the circle that defines the most outer vertical limits of the base
  • the mouse hole where the microstrip will escape

image

Quick check, compared to the stock footprint:
image

due to time limits, this post will be broken up in chunks. I try to keep these chunks big enough to document a step in the exercise.