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 --no-project scripts/extract_specs.py --url "https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Sensors/Temperature/DHT22.pdf"

# Extract specs with markdown output
uv run --no-project scripts/extract_specs.py --url "https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/datasheets/SSD1306.pdf" --format markdown

# Extract from local PDF file
uv run --no-project scripts/extract_specs.py --file "local_datasheet.pdf"

# Interactive mode
uv run --no-project scripts/extract_specs.py --interactive

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:

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;
}

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)

Datasheet Reading Tips

Where to Find Key Info

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

Shared Output Contract

Use the shared Arduino skill contract: state assumptions, required tools and versions, implementation steps, tests/evidence by proof stage, known limitations, and recovery/security notes.