Datasheet Interpreter

Extracts actionable specifications from component datasheet PDFs.

Resources

Scripts

• scripts/extract_specs.py - Downloads datasheet PDFs from URLs and extracts specs using pattern matching

References

• references/common-parameters.md - Guide to understanding datasheet parameters

Quick Start

# Extract specs from a datasheet URL
uv run scripts/extract_specs.py --url "https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Sensors/Temperature/DHT22.pdf"

# Extract specs with markdown output
uv run scripts/extract_specs.py --url "https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/datasheets/SSD1306.pdf" --format markdown

# Extract from local PDF file
uv run scripts/extract_specs.py --file "local_datasheet.pdf"

# Interactive mode
uv run scripts/extract_specs.py --interactive

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When to Use

• "What's the I2C address for this chip?"
• "How do I connect this sensor?"
• "What pins do what on this module?"
• User shares a PDF datasheet URL
• Need timing specs or register info
• Quick reference without full driver generation

Relationship to Other Skills

• datasheet-parser: Full driver library generation (lexus2k-style)
• datasheet-interpreter (this): Quick spec extraction for immediate use

---

Information Extraction Workflow

Step 1: Request Datasheet

Please provide:
1. Component name (e.g., "BME280", "MPU6050")
2. Datasheet PDF file or URL (manufacturer version preferred)
3. What specific information you need:
   □ Pin assignments / pinout
   □ I2C/SPI address and protocol
   □ Operating conditions (voltage, current)
   □ Timing requirements
   □ Register map
   □ Example circuit
   □ All of the above

Step 2: Validate PDF Quality

Check For:

• Searchable text (not scanned image)
• Official manufacturer datasheet (not clone/distributor summary)
• Revision/version number noted
• Complete document (includes register tables if applicable)

If PDF Issues:

⚠️ This appears to be a [scanned image | partial datasheet | third-party summary].

For best results, please provide the official manufacturer datasheet from:
- [Manufacturer website link]
- Or search: "[component] datasheet pdf site:manufacturer.com"

---

Extraction Templates

Quick Reference Card

Generate this for any component:

# [Component Name] Quick Reference

## Basic Info
- **Manufacturer:** [name]
- **Part Number:** [full part number with variants]
- **Datasheet Version:** [rev/date]
- **Description:** [one-line description]

## Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter | Min | Typ | Max | Unit |
|-----------|-----|-----|-----|------|
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | | | | V |
| Operating Current | | | | mA |
| Sleep Current | | | | µA |
| Operating Temp | | | | °C |

## Communication Interface
- **Protocol:** [I2C / SPI / UART / GPIO]
- **Address:** [0xNN (7-bit)] or [selectable via pin]
- **Max Clock:** [frequency]
- **Logic Levels:** [3.3V / 5V tolerant]

## Pinout
| Pin | Name | Type | Description |
|-----|------|------|-------------|
| 1 | VDD | Power | Supply voltage |
| 2 | GND | Power | Ground |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |

## Key Registers (if applicable)
| Address | Name | R/W | Description |
|---------|------|-----|-------------|
| 0x00 | WHO_AM_I | R | Device ID (expect 0xNN) |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |

## Arduino Wiring
| Component Pin | Arduino Uno | ESP32 | Pico |
|---------------|-------------|-------|------|
| VCC | 3.3V | 3.3V | 3V3 |
| GND | GND | GND | GND |
| SDA | A4 | GPIO21 | GP4 |
| SCL | A5 | GPIO22 | GP5 |

## Important Notes
- [Critical warnings from datasheet]
- [Application notes]

---

Common Component Categories

I2C Sensors

Extract:

□ I2C address (7-bit format, note if configurable)
□ WHO_AM_I register address and expected value
□ Configuration register settings
□ Data registers (where to read measurements)
□ Resolution and range options
□ Conversion time / measurement rate

I2C Address Quick Reference:

Component	Address (7-bit)	Config Pin	Alt Address
BME280	0x76	SDO→GND	0x77 (SDO→VDD)
BME680	0x76	SDO→GND	0x77 (SDO→VDD)
MPU6050	0x68	AD0→GND	0x69 (AD0→VDD)
SHT30	0x44	ADDR→GND	0x45 (ADDR→VDD)
BH1750	0x23	ADDR→GND	0x5C (ADDR→VDD)
VL53L0X	0x29	-	Configurable via software
INA219	0x40	A0,A1	0x40-0x4F
ADS1115	0x48	ADDR→GND	0x49-0x4B

SPI Devices

Extract:

□ SPI mode (CPOL, CPHA)
□ Max clock frequency
□ Data order (MSB/LSB first)
□ Command format
□ Chip select behavior (active low?)

Motor Drivers

Extract:

□ Logic voltage (VCC)
□ Motor voltage range (VM)
□ Current per channel (continuous/peak)
□ Control interface (PWM frequency, step/dir)
□ Protection features (thermal, overcurrent)
□ H-bridge or half-bridge

Display Modules

Extract:

□ Resolution (width x height)
□ Controller IC (SSD1306, ILI9341, etc.)
□ Interface (I2C, SPI, parallel)
□ Memory map / pixel format
□ Initialization sequence
□ Refresh rate

---

Critical Spec Finder

For Power Planning

Search datasheet for:
- "Electrical Characteristics" table
- "Power Consumption" or "Current Consumption"
- "Typical Operating Conditions"
- Sleep/standby modes and their currents

Template Output:

## Power Specs for [Component]

### Operating Modes
| Mode | Typical Current | Conditions |
|------|-----------------|------------|
| Active | XXX mA | [freq, voltage, etc.] |
| Idle | XXX µA | |
| Sleep/Standby | XXX µA | |
| Deep Sleep | XXX nA | |

### Wake-up Time
- From sleep: XXX ms
- From deep sleep: XXX ms

For Timing Requirements

Search datasheet for:
- "Timing Characteristics"
- "AC Characteristics"
- Setup/hold times
- Clock specifications

For Pin Tolerance

Search datasheet for:
- "Absolute Maximum Ratings"
- "ESD protection"
- "5V tolerant" mentions
- Input voltage specifications

---

Register Map Extraction

Structured Format

// [Component] Register Definitions
// Extracted from datasheet v[X.Y], p.[N]

// === REGISTER ADDRESSES ===
#define REG_NAME          0x00  // Description

// === BITFIELD DEFINITIONS ===
// REG_NAME (0x00) - [Description]
// Bit 7-6: FIELD_A - [description]
// Bit 5:   FIELD_B - [description]
// Bit 4-0: FIELD_C - [description]

#define REG_NAME_FIELD_A_MASK    0xC0
#define REG_NAME_FIELD_A_POS     6
#define REG_NAME_FIELD_B_BIT     5
#define REG_NAME_FIELD_C_MASK    0x1F

Common Register Patterns

Configuration Register:

- Enable/disable features
- Set operating mode
- Configure interrupt behavior

Status Register:

- Data ready flags
- Error/fault indicators
- Interrupt sources

Data Registers:

- Usually consecutive addresses
- Note byte order (MSB first or LSB first)
- Signed vs unsigned interpretation

---

Wiring Diagram Generator

Generate text-based wiring diagrams:

  [Component]          [Arduino Uno]
  ┌─────────┐         ┌───────────┐
  │ VCC ────┼─────────┤ 3.3V      │
  │ GND ────┼─────────┤ GND       │
  │ SDA ────┼─────────┤ A4 (SDA)  │
  │ SCL ────┼─────────┤ A5 (SCL)  │
  │ INT ────┼─────────┤ D2 (INT0) │
  └─────────┘         └───────────┘
  
  Notes:
  - Add 4.7kΩ pull-ups on SDA/SCL if not on module
  - INT is open-drain, needs pull-up

---

Example Code Generator

Based on extracted specs, generate minimal working example:

/*
 * [Component] Basic Example
 * Generated from datasheet interpretation
 * 
 * Wiring:
 * - VCC → 3.3V
 * - GND → GND
 * - SDA → A4 (Arduino Uno) / GPIO21 (ESP32)
 * - SCL → A5 (Arduino Uno) / GPIO22 (ESP32)
 */

#include <Wire.h>

#define COMPONENT_ADDR  0x00  // From datasheet p.X
#define REG_WHO_AM_I    0x00  // Expected: 0xNN
#define REG_CTRL        0x00  // Configuration
#define REG_DATA        0x00  // Data output

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin();
  
  // Verify communication
  Wire.beginTransmission(COMPONENT_ADDR);
  if (Wire.endTransmission() != 0) {
    Serial.println("Component not found!");
    while(1);
  }
  
  // Read device ID
  uint8_t id = readReg(REG_WHO_AM_I);
  Serial.print("Device ID: 0x");
  Serial.println(id, HEX);
  
  // Initialize
  writeReg(REG_CTRL, 0x00);  // [Configuration value from datasheet]
}

void loop() {
  // Read data
  int16_t data = readReg16(REG_DATA);
  Serial.println(data);
  delay(100);
}

uint8_t readReg(uint8_t reg) {
  Wire.beginTransmission(COMPONENT_ADDR);
  Wire.write(reg);
  Wire.endTransmission(false);
  Wire.requestFrom(COMPONENT_ADDR, (uint8_t)1);
  return Wire.read();
}

void writeReg(uint8_t reg, uint8_t val) {
  Wire.beginTransmission(COMPONENT_ADDR);
  Wire.write(reg);
  Wire.write(val);
  Wire.endTransmission();
}

int16_t readReg16(uint8_t reg) {
  Wire.beginTransmission(COMPONENT_ADDR);
  Wire.write(reg);
  Wire.endTransmission(false);
  Wire.requestFrom(COMPONENT_ADDR, (uint8_t)2);
  int16_t val = Wire.read() << 8;  // MSB first (check datasheet!)
  val |= Wire.read();
  return val;
}

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Quick Lookup Database

Common Questions Answered

"What voltage does [component] need?" → Check "Absolute Maximum Ratings" and "Recommended Operating Conditions"

"Is it 3.3V or 5V?" → Look for "VDD" or "VCC" in electrical characteristics → Check if I/O pins are "5V tolerant"

"How fast can I run the I2C?" → Find "I2C Clock Frequency" in timing specs (usually 100kHz standard, 400kHz fast)

"How do I wake it from sleep?" → Look for "Power Management" or "Operating Modes" section

"Why won't it respond at the address I expected?" → Check address selection pins (AD0, ADDR, SA0) → Some datasheets show 8-bit address (divide by 2 for 7-bit)

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Datasheet Reading Tips

Where to Find Key Info

Information	Section Name
I2C Address	"Serial Interface" or "Communication"
Voltage/Current	"Electrical Characteristics"
Pinout	"Pin Configuration" or "Package Information"
Registers	"Register Map" or "Memory Map"
Timing	"Timing Characteristics" or "AC Characteristics"
Example Circuit	"Application Information" or "Typical Application"

Red Flags in Datasheets

• 🚩 Missing absolute maximum ratings
• 🚩 No version/revision number
• 🚩 Inconsistent register descriptions
• 🚩 Machine-translated text
• 🚩 Missing timing diagrams for protocols

→ If you see these, try to find a better quality datasheet from the original manufacturer