# Electronics Sourcing

Guide for AI agents to source electronic components using parts-mcp, tool sequencing...

- Repository: https://github.com/andrewyng/context-hub (13986 stars)
- Category: AI and agents
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-05-31
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add andrewyng/context-hub --skill electronics-sourcing -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add andrewyng/context-hub --skill electronics-sourcing -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add andrewyng/context-hub --skill electronics-sourcing -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add andrewyng/context-hub --skill electronics-sourcing -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Guide for AI agents to source electronic components using parts-mcp, tool sequencing, decision patterns, and multi-step workflows

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# 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
```

The rest: https://github.com/andrewyng/context-hub/blob/HEAD/content/sourceparts/skills/electronics-sourcing/SKILL.md