How to find a datasheet for an electronic component

Ever have an electronic component and don't know what it does or exact details of what it can handle? Then you need to find the datasheet for the part. This article will point you in the right direction to find the needed datasheets.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electronic component
• Internet access
• Internet browser

1. 
    
   TI TSB43AB22A chip

   On the top of microchips are usually part numbers, date codes and manufacturer symbols. You can use the manufacturer name or part number to find the datasheet.

2. If you do not recognize the manufacturer's logo that is on the chip, you will need to search for "semiconductor logos". See Additional resources for links to 2 semiconductor logo websites.

3. Once you know who the manufacturer is, go to their website and see if they have a section for products or datasheets.

4. If the manufacturer's website does not have the datasheet, you may have better luck using a datasheet archive website. See Additional resources for links to my 2 favorite websites.

5. You may also be able to find the datasheet at online electronic component distributers. See Additional resources for links to my 2 favorite companies.

Tips & Warnings

• Most datasheets are in pdf format. If you do not have a pdf reader, one is available from www.adobe.com.

Resources

• http://www.chipdocs.com/logos/logotypes.html (manufacturer's logo)
• http://freespace.virgin.net/matt.waite/resource/logos/index.htm (manufacturer's logo)
• http://www.alldatasheet.com/ (datasheet archive)
• http://www.chipdocs.com/ (datasheet archive)
• http://www.mouser.com/ (online vendor)
• http://www.digikey.com/ (online vendor)