Reading Component Datasheets!

To be of value, for me anyway, it needs to be application orientated. So these posts need to define the problem you're trying to solve. This is an art in itself (and some of the Design Challenges can be used for guidance here). Then you need to demonstrate how, rather than simply what, the charts and different parameters are used from a datasheet to solve the design challenge. If you don't marry the two it becomes just another academic teaching exercise. I would certainly find it useful. I know I had this trial and error experience with TVS Diodes - it gets expensive when a board blows up or when it blows up some other kit attached during a compliance test.

Thanks, for your helpful feedback.  I'll make a beginning with a few examples and see how it goes.

Hello great project, I have been repairing stuff for years and still get stuck at times, I have used basic data from data sheet then searched when repairing speed controls etc but couple of years ago I got stuck trying to find a equivalent Fet for (English made creek) or similar audio amp which was running class A, using fet in finals, what ever I tried failed if I find notes I will add the numbers, I am sure I posted a message on this forum,

Thank you for your feedback.  One of the goals of this initiative is to highlight why “equivalent parts” sometimes fail in real circuits, and how looking beyond headline datasheet specs becomes critical when selecting or replacing devices.

cespecialist said:

how looking beyond headline datasheet specs becomes critical when selecting or replacing devices.

That would mean that your work would be adding to the datasheets, if I understand the meaning of "beyond" correctly.
What type of info are you adding to make the selection of equivalent parts easier?

I could see a guide being divided into different chapters according to component type such as opamps, comparators, diodes, transistors etc.  The last two items probably further divided into sub-groups.... and then in the section for general purpose diodes, for example, describe the key specs like reverse break down voltage and forward current and why each is important.  For reverse break down voltage you can go into an example where a diode is used in a rectifier.... anyway... that's how envision this.

Good question.  I am not looking to add any information beyond what's already in the datasheets, but to show how to interpret the parameters.  A simple example is 1N4007 and UF4007.  Both are rated for 1000V, 1A and are available DO-204(AL) package.  These are not alternate parts as the reverse recovery times are different. The difference is already available in the datasheet, but can be easily missed if we just look at 1000V, 1A and DO-204(AL) package.

Good question.  I am not looking to add any information beyond what's already in the datasheets, but to show how to interpret the parameters.  A simple example is 1N4007 and UF4007.  Both are rated for 1000V, 1A and are available DO-204(AL) package.  These are not alternate parts as the reverse recovery times are different. The difference is already available in the datasheet, but can be easily missed if we just look at 1000V, 1A and DO-204(AL) package.