Electronics Sourcing Skill

This skill teaches you how to source electronic components effectively using parts-mcp tools. It covers tool sequencing, decision patterns, and how to handle common scenarios.

When to Use Which Search Tool

search_parts, Use when you have a part number, description, or general keywords. This is your default starting point.

"Find me a 100nF capacitor" → search_parts(query="100nF capacitor")
"Look up STM32F411" → search_parts(query="STM32F411")

search_by_parameters, Use when you need to match specific electrical parameters within a category. More precise than keyword search.

"I need a 50V 100nF X7R 0402 cap" → search_by_parameters(
  parameters={"capacitance": "100nF", "voltage": "50V", "dielectric": "X7R", "package": "0402"},
  category="capacitor"
)

Decision rule: If the user gives you 3+ specific parameters, use search_by_parameters. For part numbers or general queries, use search_parts.

The Search → Price → Availability → Alternative Pattern

This is the core sourcing workflow. Follow this sequence:

1. SEARCH → Find the part
2. DETAILS → Get full specifications (if needed for validation)
3. PRICE → Compare across suppliers
4. AVAILABILITY → Check stock levels
5. ALTERNATIVE → Find replacements (only if price is too high or stock is insufficient)

Do not skip steps 3 and 4. A part that exists in the database may be out of stock or prohibitively expensive.

When the user asks to "source" or "find" a part, they expect pricing and availability, not just search results. Always follow through to at least step 4.

BOM Processing Pattern

BOM processing is asynchronous. Always follow this exact sequence:

1. upload_bom(file_path=path)           → Get job_id
2. check_bom_status(job_id=job_id)      → Poll until status is "complete"
3. Review matched_parts and unknown_parts
4. For unmatched: search_parts() to resolve manually
5. calculate_bom_cost() with all resolved parts