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- pcb tool installed and available in bash
- Local PDF files or access to HTTP(S) datasheet URLs
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
- 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
- PCB designers and hardware engineers
- Electronics hobbyists working with datasheets
- KiCad users needing component documentation
- Anyone analyzing technical PDF documents
datasheet-reader FAQ
Local PDF file paths (e.g., `./TPS54331.pdf`) and HTTP(S) URLs (e.g., `https://www.ti.com/lit/gpn/tca9554`).
The `pcb scan` command prints the markdown file path to stdout. Read that markdown file, not the raw PDF.
Images are linked within the generated markdown file. Follow those links only if your task specifically requires viewing figures, diagrams, or tables.
Report the failure briefly and choose the best fallback approach, such as manually accessing the datasheet or using alternative tools.
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
.pdfpath orhttp(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.pdforpcb 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 scanfails, report the failure briefly and then choose the best fallback.
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