Datasheet

A data sheet is a document summarizing the characteristics of an electronic component in sufficient detail that a skilled engineer can integrate the component to a new circuit design.

A typical data sheet contains some of the following information:

• manufacturers name
• product number and name
• a list of available package formats (with images) and ordering codes
• notable device properties
• a short functional description
• pin connection diagram
• absolute minimum, maximum ratings (supply voltage, power consumption, input currents, storage and soldering temperatures etc)
• recommended operating conditions (as absolute minimum, maximum ratings)
• a table of DC specifications (various temperatures, supply voltages, input currents etc)
• a table of AC specifications (various temperatures, supply voltages, frequencies etc)
• an input/output wave shape diagram
• physical device diagram showing minimum/typical/maximum physical dimensions
• test circuit
• ordering codes for differing packages and performance criteria
• disclaimer preventing device use in high risk environments such as nuclear power stations and life-critical systems.

The data sheet sometimes contains circuit diagrams of typical use, however this information is often placed in an application note to a high level of detail.

Data sheets are typically available in two forms: a databook containing many data sheets, usually grouped by manufacturer or general type. They are also available from the Internet in table form or downloadable pdf format.

External links

Datasheets

• AMD: http://www.amd.com/
• Analog Devices: http://www.analog.com/
• Atmel: http://www.atmel.com/
• Fairchild Semiconductor: http://www.fairchildsemi.com/
• Intel: http://www.intel.com/intel/product/index.htm
• Maxim: http://www.maxim-ic.com/
• Microchip: http://www.microchip.com/1010/search/prodsel/index.htm
• Motorola: http://search.motorola.com/
• National Semiconductor: http://www.national.com/
• ON Semiconductor: http://www.onsemi.com/
• Philips: http://www.semiconductors.philips.com
• Samsung Semiconductor: http://www.intl.samsungsemi.com/
• ST Microelectronics: http://eu.st.com/
• Texas Instruments: http://www.ti.com/

Datasheet Search Engines

• Electronic Engineer's Master Online: http://eem.com/default.asp
• IC Master : http://www.icmaster.com/
• ChipDocs Datasheet Database: http://www.chipdocs.com/
• Electronic DatabookShelf: http://www.crhc.uiuc.edu/~dburke/databookshelf.html
• Global Electronic Datasheet Locator: http://www.datasheetlocator.com/
• World of Electronics-Datasheet search: http://www.woe.onlinehome.de/
• The Giant Internet IC Masturbator: http://www.kingswood-consulting.co.uk/giicm/

Buy Components

• Digikey: http://www.digikey.com
• Jameco: http://www.jameco.com
• Foresight Technologies: http://www.foresightus.com/