Research
The Research module provides information on over 15 million integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, passives, connectors, opto-electronic devices, and more from thousands of manufacturers.
What types of databases are in the Research module?
There are four electronic component databases -- Semiconductors, Passives, Connectors & Electromechanicals and Mil-Spec Cylindrical Connectors -- that contains information on over 15 Million component parts and over 2000 manufacturers.
What types of searches can I perform?
There are four different search methods in the Research module. Each of the four search methods is described below:
- Device Search - You can search for devices using the manufacturer part number (complete number, generic number, or brand name for ICs), manufacturer name, keyword, or a combination of the terms. The combination allows you to search using a generic part number and the manufactuer's name.
- Parametric Search - You may search for devices by selecting a device category and then specifying required parameters and associated values. The parameters are the attributes for the category of device. This function is typically used by engineers.
- Manufacturer Search - You may search using the manufacturer name or even the manufacturer's contact information - address, phone number, Web site address (URL).
- Logo Search - The logo search permits you to perform a visual search by the manufacturer's logo. This is useful for identifying unknown parts.
Can I use wildcards when searching?
The Research module supports wildcard searching in all fields. An implicit trailing wildcard (an invisible *) is inserted after an entry in the part number or manufacturer fields. For example, searching for a80486 in the part number fields will yield a result set of a80486-25, a80486-s6sx243, a80486-33, and so on. In all of the search fields, the asterisk (*) represents any number of characters and the question mark (?) represents a single character. Wildcards can be leading, embedded, or trailing.
Can I enter multiple entries in a search field?
Multiple entries in a search field at one time are permitted, but the implementation varies according to field type:
- Part Number - Multiple parts can be entered if separated by commas. This performs an OR search.
- Manufacturer - Multiple manufacturers name can be entered separated by commas. This performs an OR search. Multiple manufacturers separated by the word AND (with a leading and trailing space) will perform an AND search.
- Keyword - Multiple keywords can be entered separated by commas. This performs an OR search. Multiple keywords separated by the word AND (with a leading and trailing space) will perform an AND search.
What if I can't find a part in the Research module?
It is possible that newer parts have not been entered into the system. Click the 'Add Part' button on the main search page. This will display a form requesting information about the part. We will endeavor to acquire the part information and documentation and incorporate it.
How do I view the attributes or parameters for a device?
From the search results display, click on the part number to display the attributes for the part.
What are the definitions for the terms in the Device Status column?
The status definitions for device availability are:
- Active - The part is understood to be manufactured. The part has current documentation.
- Contact Mfr - The documentation is dated. The part availability is unknown, and you should contact the manufacturer.
- Historical - The documentation is very dated. Part availability is unknown. You should contact the manufacturer.
- Preliminary - This is a new product. The documentation is preliminary and the availability is uncertain.
- Discontinued - The part is no longer made or the manufacturer is out of business.
Can I view the attributes for parts side-by-side for comparison?
Yes, one of the most powerful features of the Research module is the Compare feature. From the search results display, click the checkbox next to the parts that you want to compare. You may select up to 10 parts. Then click the Compare button. The system will display the parts side-by-side for easy comparison. The system also highlights attributes with differing values.
Can I view documentation about a part, such as a datasheet?
The Research module contains extensive documentation on each part in the system. On the results page you may select to view datasheets (both current and historical), Documents in the Family, or Application Notes.
How can I find replacements for a part?
From the search results display, click on the part number to display the attributes for the part. You may click on the 'View Replacements' button to get a display of parts that have exact or similar attributes. Use the compare feature to determine how suitable the product is to your specific requirements.
Does the Research module have parts obsolescence information?
Parts obsolescence information is available in the Research module.
Does the Research module have pinout and package information?
From the search results display, click on the part number to display the attributes for the part. The pinout and packaging button is on the right side of the display. Pinout and package information does not exist for all parts not is it available for all users. Pinout and packaging data require an enterprise license.
Note that running a search via the Shopping Agent may yield current availability and price information about a part. |
