Switchcraft CB3F Circular Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Switchcraft CB3F is a 3-position circular connector plug with female sockets and solder tabs, designed for communication systems applications. This connector features a threaded fastening type with keyed orientation, cable clamp, coupling nut, and strain relief. The CB3F is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing system maintenance and component procurement.

Substiute Parts

CB3F

Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 1098CB3F Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

C3F

Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 1340C3F Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The Switchcraft C3F qualifies as a substitute based on the following alignment of critical parameters:

Matching Core Specifications:

• Manufacturer: Switchcraft Inc. (same manufacturer ensures design compatibility)
• Connector Type: Plug, Female Sockets (identical socket configuration)
• Number of Positions: 3 (same pin count)
• Orientation: Keyed (maintains polarization)
• Primary Material: Metal (same material class)
• Contact Finish - Mating: Silver (identical contact surface)
• Color: Silver (same visual specification)
• ECCN: EAR99 (same export classification)
• HTSUS: 8536.69.4020 (same tariff classification)

Substitution Basis: The C3F maintains functional equivalence through identical connector type, position count, keyed orientation, and contact specifications. Both parts are 3-position female socket plugs from the same manufacturer with silver-plated mating surfaces, enabling direct functional replacement in communication system applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The CB3F is obsolete, while the C3F is active. Selection of the C3F provides access to current manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain continuity.

Compliance Status: The C3F is ROHS3 compliant, whereas the CB3F is RoHS non-compliant. Systems requiring RoHS compliance must use the C3F. Both parts maintain identical REACH and ECCN classifications.

Termination and Fastening Differences: The CB3F uses solder tabs with threaded fastening, while the C3F uses solder cup termination with latch lock fastening. These differences require evaluation against specific PCB layout and mechanical mounting requirements in the target application.

Material Specification: The C3F shell is stainless steel compared to the CB3F brass shell. Both maintain silver contact finish and keyed orientation, ensuring electrical and mechanical compatibility at the mating interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the C3F directly replace the CB3F in existing designs? A: Functional replacement is possible due to matching connector type, 3-position configuration, keyed orientation, and silver contact finish. However, termination method differences (solder tabs vs. solder cup) and fastening type differences (threaded vs. latch lock) require mechanical design verification.

Q: What are the key differences between these parts? A: Primary differences include termination style (solder tabs vs. solder cup), fastening mechanism (threaded vs. latch lock), shell material (brass vs. stainless steel), and product status (obsolete vs. active). Electrical specifications and mating interface characteristics remain equivalent.

Q: Does the C3F meet modern compliance requirements? A: Yes. The C3F is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements. The CB3F is RoHS non-compliant and suitable only for legacy systems without compliance mandates.

Q: Are there packaging differences? A: The CB3F packaging is unspecified in available data. The C3F is supplied in bulk packaging. Confirm packaging requirements with your procurement specifications.

Q: What applications are these connectors designed for? A: The CB3F is specified for communication systems. The C3F is specified for audio and instrumentation applications. Both maintain compatibility with 3-position circular connector system requirements.