DatasheetXML

1. Introduction

DatasheetXML is a vendor-neutral, machine-readable format for describing electronic and electromechanical components. It is intended to become the canonical source of truth for a component's technical, manufacturing, compliance, commercial, and documentation data.

Rather than publishing a PDF as the primary artifact, manufacturers publish a structured XML document. Human-readable outputs such as PDF, HTML, Markdown, and web pages are generated automatically using rendering templates.

datasheet.xml
        │
        ├── style-pdf.xsl
        ├── style-html.xsl
        ├── style-markdown.xsl
        └── style-ai.xsl

                ↓

      PDF / HTML / Markdown / AI View

The XML document contains semantic information only. Presentation is handled separately.

2. Design Goals

The specification aims to be:

Human editable
Machine readable
Vendor neutral
Schema validated
Version controlled
Diff friendly
Suitable for long-term archival
AI friendly
Automatically renderable

3. Design Principles

3.1 Canonical Source

Every piece of information exists only once. Renderers and downstream tools derive their output from the same structured value.

<voltageRating>
    <minValue>2.7</minValue>
    <typValue>3.3</typValue>
    <maxValue>3.6</maxValue>
    <unit>V</unit>
    <dataType>REAL_MEASURE</dataType>
</voltageRating>

3.2 Separation of Content and Presentation

The XML never specifies fonts, colors, page sizes, margins, or table borders. Those belong in rendering styles.

3.3 Semantic Markup

Tags represent meaning rather than appearance.

<maxJunctionTemperature>
    <value>150</value>
    <unit>degC</unit>
</maxJunctionTemperature>

4. Root Document

The public validation entry point is schema/datasheet.xsd. A document uses the Datasheet root element and places the thirteen component-data sections directly inside it in the order shown below.

<Datasheet
    xmlns="https://datasheet.org/schema/v1"
    version="1.0"
    schemaVersion="0.3">
    <identification>
        <referenceDesignator>R104</referenceDesignator>
        <designatorCategory>R</designatorCategory>
        <manufacturerPartNumber>RC0402FR-0710KL</manufacturerPartNumber>
        <manufacturer>Yageo</manufacturer>
    </identification>
    <electrical>
        <resistance>
            <value>10000</value>
            <unit>ohm</unit>
            <dataType>REAL_MEASURE</dataType>
            <tolerance>+/-1%</tolerance>
        </resistance>
    </electrical>
</Datasheet>

identification is required. All other sections are optional. The version attribute identifies the revision of the document itself; schemaVersion is required and fixed to 0.3 by this schema release.

4.1 Reusable Property Values

Measured and classified data uses a reusable property structure. Every field is optional so the document can preserve the information available from its source.

Field	Type	Meaning
`value`	Simple value	Scalar or textual value
`unit`	String	Unit associated with the value
`dataType`	Controlled string	`INTEGER_MEASURE`, `REAL_MEASURE`, `STRING`, `BOOLEAN`, `ENUM`, `RANGE`, `RATIONAL_MEASURE`, or `INTEGER_COUNT`
`conditionOfApplication`	String	Condition under which the property applies
`tolerance`	String	Stated tolerance
`minValue`, `typValue`, `maxValue`	Number	Numeric range and typical value
`definition`	String	Human-readable definition
`irdi`	String	IEC identifier in IRDI form
`source`	String	Origin of the property value

5. Identification

identification gives the unique identity and classification of the component instance. referenceDesignator and designatorCategory are required.

Field	Type	Notes
`referenceDesignator`	String	Must contain a supported category prefix, digits, and an optional letter suffix, such as `C104`, `U3`, or `RN2`
`designatorCategory`	Controlled string	`A`, `AE`, `BT`, `C`, `D`, `DS`, `F`, `FB`, `FD`, `FL`, `H`, `J`, `JP`, `K`, `L`, `LS`, `M`, `MK`, `P`, `Q`, `R`, `RN`, `RT`, `RV`, `SW`, `T`, `TC`, `TJ`, `TP`, `U`, `Y`, or `Z`
`designatorCategoryLabel`	String	Human-readable category label
`manufacturerPartNumber`	String	Manufacturer-assigned part number
`manufacturer`	String	Manufacturer name
`internalPartNumber`	String	Organization-internal part or SKU
`genericPartFamily`	String	Component class or plain-text family
`irdiClassId`	String	IRDI of the component class
`description`	String	Component description
`revision`	String	Component revision
`alternatePartNumbers`	List of strings	Alternate manufacturer part numbers
`eccnClassification`	String	Export-control classification

6. Electrical

electrical contains electrical ratings and characteristics.

Field	Type	Notes
`voltageRating`	Property	Rated voltage
`currentRating`	Property	Rated current
`powerRating`	Property	Rated power
`resistance`	Property	Resistance value or range
`capacitance`	Property	Capacitance value or range
`inductance`	Property	Inductance value or range
`impedance`	Property	Impedance value or range
`frequencyRange`	Property	Supported frequency range
`tolerance`	Property	Electrical tolerance
`temperatureCoefficient`	Property	Change in value with temperature
`dielectricType`	String	For example, `C0G/NP0`, `X7R`, or `Y5V`
`polarized`	Boolean	Whether the component is polarized
`pinCount`	Integer	Number of component pins
`logicFamily`	String	Logic family name
`switchingCharacteristics`	Property	Switching behavior or limits
`insulationResistance`	Property	Insulation resistance
`dielectricWithstandingVoltage`	Property	Dielectric withstand rating
`esdRating`	Property	Electrostatic-discharge rating
`additionalProperties`	List of properties	Component-specific electrical properties not listed above

7. Mechanical

mechanical describes physical form, dimensions, and mounting characteristics.

Field	Type	Notes
`packageType`	String	For example, `0402`, `SOIC-8`, `TO-220`, or `QFN-32`
`footprint`	String	IPC-7351 land-pattern name or reference
`dimensions`	Object	Property-valued `length`, `width`, `height`, `diameter`, and `leadPitch`
`mass`	Property	Component mass
`mountingType`	Controlled string	`SMT`, `THT`, `Press-fit`, `Panel-mount`, `Chassis-mount`, `Free-standing`, or `Other`
`terminationStyle`	String	For example, gull-wing, J-lead, BGA ball, axial, or radial
`mechanicalTolerance`	Property	Dimensional or mechanical tolerance
`connectorGender`	Controlled string	`Male`, `Female`, or `N/A`
`keying`	String	Connector or package keying information
`actuationForce`	Property	Actuation force for switches or connectors
`vibrationResistance`	Property	Vibration-resistance rating
`shockResistance`	Property	Shock-resistance rating
`cadModelRef`	String	Pointer to a CAD or STEP model

8. Thermal

thermal records temperature ratings and thermal-transfer characteristics.

Field	Type	Notes
`operatingTemperatureRange`	Property	Permitted operating-temperature range
`storageTemperatureRange`	Property	Permitted storage-temperature range
`thermalResistanceJunctionAmbient`	Property	Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, Rth(j-a)
`thermalResistanceJunctionCase`	Property	Junction-to-case thermal resistance, Rth(j-c)
`maxJunctionTemperature`	Property	Maximum junction temperature
`derating`	Property	Derating curve or rule
`thermalConductivity`	Property	Thermal conductivity
`reflowProfileCompatibility`	String	Reference to a J-STD-020 reflow classification or profile

9. Material

material describes bulk material, plating, finish, and construction.

Field	Type	Notes
`bodyMaterial`	String	Component body material
`terminationFinish`	String	For example, matte tin, gold, or NiPdAu
`substrateMaterial`	String	Substrate material
`encapsulantMaterial`	String	Encapsulant material
`flammabilityRating`	String	UL 94 classification, such as `V-0`
`moistureSensitivityLevel`	String	J-STD-020 MSL rating, such as `MSL 3`
`colorFinish`	String	Component color or finish
`magneticProperties`	String	Magnetic-material characteristics
`materialComposition`	List of objects	Entries containing `substance`, `casNumber`, and `massFraction`

10. Environmental

environmental captures environmental compliance and operating-environment tolerance.

Field	Type	Notes
`rohsCompliant`	Boolean	RoHS compliance status
`rohsVersion`	String	For example, `RoHS 3 (EU 2015/863)`
`reachCompliant`	Boolean	REACH compliance status
`reachSvhcListDate`	Date	Date of the applicable REACH SVHC list
`halogenFree`	Boolean	Halogen-free status
`conflictMineralsStatus`	Controlled string	`DRC Conflict-Free`, `Not Conflict-Free`, or `Not Assessed`
`ingressProtectionRating`	String	IP code, such as `IP67`
`humidityRating`	Property	Humidity tolerance or rating
`altitudeRating`	Property	Altitude tolerance or rating
`chemicalResistance`	String	Chemical-resistance description
`uvResistance`	Boolean	UV-resistance status
`californiaProp65`	Boolean	California Proposition 65 status

11. Reliability

reliability stores lifetime, failure-rate, qualification, and endurance data.

Field	Type	Notes
`mtbf`	Property	Mean time between failures
`failureRate`	Property	Failure rate, such as FIT per 1 billion device-hours
`ratedLifetime`	Property	Rated service lifetime
`qualificationStandard`	List of strings	Qualification standards, such as `AEC-Q200` or `MIL-STD-883`
`gradeLevel`	String	For example, Automotive Grade 1, Industrial, Consumer, or Military
`burnInTested`	Boolean	Whether burn-in testing was performed
`predictedFailureModes`	List of strings	Predicted component failure modes
`endurance`	Object	Property-valued `cycleCount` and a `testMethod` string

12. Regulatory

regulatory contains certifications, export-control data, and standards references.

Field	Type	Notes
`certifications`	List of strings	Certifications such as UL, CE, FCC Part 15, CSA, or CCC
`certificateNumbers`	List of strings	Identifiers for applicable certificates
`eccn`	String	Export Control Classification Number
`htsCode`	String	Harmonized Tariff Schedule code
`countryOfOrigin`	String	Manufacturing country of origin
`exportLicenseRequired`	Boolean	Whether an export license is required
`ituCompliance`	String	ITU compliance information
`iecStandardRef`	List of strings	Governing IEC standards, such as `IEC 60384-1`

13. Manufacturing

manufacturing describes process, assembly, and production characteristics.

Field	Type	Notes
`assemblyProcess`	Controlled string	`SMT-Reflow`, `THT-Wave`, `THT-Selective`, `Manual`, `Press-fit`, or `Other`
`solderReflowProfile`	String	Solder-reflow profile identifier or description
`leadFreeProcessCompatible`	Boolean	Lead-free process compatibility
`peakReflowTemperature`	Property	Maximum reflow temperature
`solderabilityStandard`	String	Solderability standard, such as `J-STD-002`
`placementOrientation`	String	Required component placement orientation
`testCoverage`	String	For example, AOI plus ICT or 100% functional test
`yieldRate`	Property	Manufacturing yield rate
`processCapabilityIndex`	Property	Process capability index, Cpk
`traceabilityMethod`	String	For example, lot-code marking or date code plus serial number

14. Commercial

commercial stores sourcing, pricing, and lifecycle data.

Field	Type	Notes
`lifecycleStatus`	Controlled string	`Active`, `NRND`, `EOL`, `Obsolete`, `Preview`, or `Unknown`
`lastTimeBuyDate`	Date	Last date on which the component may be ordered
`endOfLifeDate`	Date	Component end-of-life date
`leadTimeWeeks`	Number	Procurement lead time in weeks
`minimumOrderQuantity`	Integer	Minimum order quantity
`standardPackQuantity`	Integer	Standard pack quantity
`priceBreaks`	List of objects	Entries containing integer `quantity`, numeric `unitPrice`, and string `currency`
`distributors`	List of objects	Entries containing `name`, `sku`, `stockQuantity`, and `url`
`alternateSources`	List of strings	Cross-reference or second-source part numbers
`obsolescenceRiskScore`	Number	Computed component-obsolescence risk score

15. Packaging

packaging describes shipping and handling packaging, distinct from the component body described by mechanical.

Field	Type	Notes
`packingMethod`	Controlled string	`Tape and Reel`, `Tube`, `Tray`, `Bulk`, `Cut Tape`, or `Bag`
`reelSize`	String	For example, `7in` or `13in`
`quantityPerReel`	Integer	Number of components per reel
`tapeWidth`	Property	Carrier-tape width
`tapePitch`	Property	Carrier-tape pitch
`orientation`	String	Pin-1 or component orientation in carrier tape per EIA-481
`dryPackRequired`	Boolean	Whether dry packaging is required
`packagingMaterial`	String	Packaging material
`labelingStandard`	String	For example, `IPC-1782` or `ANSI MH10.8.2`

16. Documentation

documentation describes supporting documents using a controlled document type.

Field	Type	Notes
`documents`	List of objects	Each entry contains required `documentType` and `url` fields, with optional `title`, `documentNumber`, `revision`, and `date`
`complianceCertificates`	List of URIs	Compliance-certificate locations
`revisionHistory`	List of objects	Entries containing `revision`, `date`, and `notes`

Supported documentType values are:

Document type	Description
`Application Note`	Practical guidance for applying or integrating the component
`Technical Note`	Focused technical information or implementation details
`Errata`	Known defects, limitations, and corrections
`PCN`	Product Change Notice

17. EDA Models

edaModels provides direct links to machine-readable engineering assets. Each field accepts one or more URIs and is optional, including svd when it does not apply to the component.

Field	Type	Notes
`bsdl`	List of URIs	Boundary-Scan Description Language models
`ibis`	List of URIs	I/O Buffer Information Specification models
`spice`	List of URIs	SPICE simulation models
`svd`	List of URIs	System View Description files, when applicable
`symbol`	List of URIs	Schematic symbol files
`footprint`	List of URIs	PCB footprint or land-pattern files
`threeDModel`	List of URIs	3D component models

18. Change History

Document changes are recorded in documentation/revisionHistory.

<documentation>
    <revisionHistory>
        <entry>
            <revision>1.1</revision>
            <date>2026-08-13</date>
            <notes>Updated the resistance tolerance.</notes>
        </entry>
    </revisionHistory>
</documentation>

19. Cross References

Cross references are represented by the fields closest to their meaning:

IEC class identifiers use identification/irdiClassId.
CAD model references use mechanical/cadModelRef; downloadable 3D models use edaModels/threeDModel.
Certifications and IEC standards use regulatory.
Application notes, technical notes, errata, PCNs, and certificates use documentation.
Simulation models, device descriptions, symbols, footprints, and 3D models use edaModels.

20. Validation

Every document must validate against schema/datasheet.xsd. The schema checks:

the required root attributes and identification fields;
element names, ordering, and value types;
reference-designator syntax;
controlled values for categories, processes, statuses, and formats;
dates and URIs; and
the numeric types used by property ranges and commercial data.

Example using an XML Schema validator:

xmllint --noout --schema schema/datasheet.xsd datasheet.xml

21. Rendering

Rendering is performed by stylesheet engines. Possible outputs include PDF, HTML, EPUB, Markdown, DOCX, plain text, and AI-optimized views.

Rule: No information may exist only in one rendered output.

22. Versioning

Level	Meaning
Major	Incompatible schema changes
Minor	Additive elements
Patch	Corrections only

The current specification version is 0.3.

23. Future Work

Future versions may define:

Digital signatures
Localization support
Constraint language for design rules
Component relationship graphs
Semantic identifiers for specifications

License

License terms for this specification have not yet been finalized. A permissive license such as CC BY 4.0 or Apache 2.0 is proposed to encourage manufacturer and tooling adoption.