datasheet-reader

diodeinc/pcb

Read and extract information from datasheets and technical PDFs using `pcb scan`.

What is datasheet-reader?

This skill converts datasheets and technical PDF documents into searchable markdown format. Use it when you need to read, summarize, extract data from, or answer questions about a datasheet—either from a local PDF file, an HTTP(S) URL, or a KiCad symbol's Datasheet property.

Convert PDF datasheets to markdown format via `pcb scan` command
Extract and search technical information from datasheet content
Resolve datasheet URLs from KiCad symbol properties
Access linked images and diagrams from converted markdown
Handle both local file paths and remote HTTP(S) datasheet URLs

How to install datasheet-reader

npx skills add null --skill datasheet-reader

Prerequisites

pcb tool installed and available in bash
Local PDF files or access to HTTP(S) datasheet URLs

Claude Code

Cursor

Windsurf

Cline

How to use datasheet-reader

1.Run `pcb scan <input>` where input is a local PDF path or datasheet URL
2.Capture the markdown file path printed to stdout
3.Read the generated markdown file to access the datasheet content
4.Follow image links in the markdown only if your task requires diagrams, tables, or figures

Use cases

Good for

Extract component specifications and pin configurations from a component datasheet
Summarize key electrical characteristics and operating parameters from a technical PDF
Answer specific questions about component behavior by searching converted datasheet markdown
Retrieve datasheet information referenced in a KiCad symbol file
Look up timing diagrams, application circuits, or package dimensions from a datasheet

Who it's for

PCB designers and hardware engineers
Electronics hobbyists working with datasheets
KiCad users needing component documentation
Anyone analyzing technical PDF documents

datasheet-reader FAQ

What input formats does pcb scan accept?

Local PDF file paths (e.g., `./TPS54331.pdf`) and HTTP(S) URLs (e.g., `https://www.ti.com/lit/gpn/tca9554`).

Where is the converted datasheet output?

The `pcb scan` command prints the markdown file path to stdout. Read that markdown file, not the raw PDF.

How do I access images and diagrams from the datasheet?

Images are linked within the generated markdown file. Follow those links only if your task specifically requires viewing figures, diagrams, or tables.

What should I do if pcb scan fails?

Report the failure briefly and choose the best fallback approach, such as manually accessing the datasheet or using alternative tools.

Can I use this with KiCad symbols?

Yes. If a KiCad symbol (`.kicad_sym`) has a Datasheet property, you can resolve it by running `pcb scan` with that URL.

Full instructions (SKILL.md)

Source of truth, from diodeinc/pcb.

name: datasheet-reader description: Read datasheets and technical PDF documents with `pcb scan`. Use when the user gives a local PDF path or an `http(s)` datasheet/document URL, when a task requires reading, summarizing, extracting information from, or answering questions about a datasheet or technical PDF, or when a KiCad symbol / `.kicad_sym` provides a `Datasheet` property to resolve. Run `pcb scan <input>` in bash, treat stdout as the generated `.md` path, then read that markdown file.

Datasheet Reader

Use this skill when a task depends on a datasheet or technical PDF.

Input: local .pdf path or http(s) URL
Command: pcb scan <input>
Output: stdout is the resolved markdown path
Next step: read the markdown file, not the raw PDF
Images are linked from the markdown

Workflow

Run pcb scan /path/to/file.pdf or pcb scan https://....
Capture the printed markdown path.
Read the markdown file and work from that artifact.
Follow image links only if the task depends on figures, diagrams, or tables.

Examples

pcb scan ./TPS54331.pdf
pcb scan https://www.ti.com/lit/gpn/tca9554

Notes

Prefer the minimal invocation above. Do not depend on optional flags unless a task explicitly requires them.
If pcb scan fails, report the failure briefly and then choose the best fallback.

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